Athens, Ga. (September 29, 2016) – Athens Regional Medical Center officially will become the seventh hospital in the Piedmont Healthcare system on Saturday, Oct. 1. The hospital, which will be renamed Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center, will be Piedmont’s second largest facility.

“With this partnership, Piedmont Athens Regional is set to become a larger, regional hub for healthcare - expanding community members’ access to high-quality, patient-centered care,” Kevin Brown, president and CEO of Piedmont Healthcare, said. “Together, we’ll work to improve the health and well-being of the people of Athens and the surrounding communities we serve.”

Since announcing the terms of the partnership agreement in December 2015, officials with Piedmont and Athens have worked diligently to determine how best to align the organizations and meet the needs of the community.

“This is an exciting time for Athens Regional and those we serve. Athens Regional and Piedmont are growing better together. This community and this region will benefit from this partnership for years to come,” said Dr. Charles Peck, president and CEO of Athens Regional Health System.