Special Edition 

The Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority:

85 Years of Impact, Innovation and Investment

A Message from our CEO, Jevon Gibson

Unveiling Our Story: A Mural Celebrating 85 Years of Progress, Innovation, and Community Impact

More than a work of art, FDHA's new mural brings our story to life. As we celebrate 85 years of service, stewardship, and partnership, this vibrant piece honors the communities that have always been at the heart of our mission. For eight and a half decades, the Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority has worked to advance healthcare access for residents of Fulton and DeKalb counties by helping bridge gaps, remove barriers, and connect people to critical resources that support healthier lives.

To commemorate this enduring impact, we set out to tell the story of our organization and, more importantly, the people and communities we serve. The result is a one-of-a-kind mural created exclusively for the Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority. Professionally hand-drawn and hand-painted, every line, brushstroke, and detail was crafted with intention, capturing the spirit, resilience, and diversity of our communities while reflecting a shared vision of health, opportunity, and well-being for all.

The mural serves as both a tribute to our past and a symbol of the future we are building together. It celebrates 85 years of progress, innovation, and collaboration, standing as a colorful reminder of how far we have come and the lasting impact we can achieve when we work together in service of our communities.

From Founding to Future: The Journey of FDHA 

Since its founding, the Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority (FDHA) has played a vital role in safeguarding access to healthcare for residents of Fulton and DeKalb counties. Established under Georgia’s Hospital Authorities Law, FDHA was designed to serve as a steward of public healthcare assets—most notably Grady Memorial Hospital—while ensuring accountability, financial oversight, and regulatory compliance. 

Over time, FDHA’s journey has been marked by reflection, learning, and growth. Recent years prompted a renewed focus on clearly defining its responsibilities, strengthening internal operations, and reimagining its place within an increasingly complex healthcare landscape. This evolution has positioned FDHA not only as a protector of assets, but as an organization ready to lead with purpose, adaptability, and vision. 

How Our Past Shapes Our Mission Today

FDHA’s mission today is rooted in lessons learned from its past. Early organizational efforts centered on clearly understanding and fulfilling legal and fiduciary obligations to the counties and to Grady. This foundational work clarified that oversight, stewardship, and support are not competing responsibilities, but interconnected elements of a shared goal: improving health outcomes for all. 

Grounded in this understanding, FDHA now embraces a mission driven by collaboration and innovation. By aligning closely with Grady Health System and responding to community-identified needs, FDHA has expanded its definition of health to include physical, mental, and social well-being—recognizing that true access to care often extends beyond hospital walls. 

The Evolution of FDHA’s Role in Regional Healthcare

From Foundation to Future: Driving Better Health and Longer Lives

Advancing Neighborhood Capacity for Health, Opportunities, & Resources  

(A.N.C.H.O.R.)

A.N.C.H.O.R. is a community‑led initiative developed and supported by the FDHA that works to improve health outcomes in Fulton and DeKalb Counties by aligning community voice, trusted partners, and health system resources around locally identified priorities.

Through the initiative, the FDHA is partnering with trusted community leaders and advocates to cultivate a cadre of trained Community Health Workers who will serve as trusted connectors and an extension of FDHA’s Community Health Advocate Team within their neighborhoods. Participants will develop the knowledge and skills needed to support community health and connect residents with critical resources. Their work will help strengthen local wellness efforts and foster lasting impact where it is needed most.

Expanding Access to Care Close to Home

Through its partnership with Grady Health System, the Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority (FDHA) continues to support the development of healthcare facilities and services in the communities where residents live, work, and raise their families. From Grady South in South Fulton to Grady Flat Shoals and other neighborhood-based care locations, these investments help ensure that high-quality healthcare is accessible closer to home, reducing barriers to care and connecting residents to the services they need.

This commitment reflects a shared vision of building healthier communities through increased access, prevention, and early intervention. By supporting a network of care locations across the region, FDHA and Grady are advancing the goals of the 5 in 10 Community Health Initiative, creating opportunities for improved health outcomes and helping residents live longer, healthier lives.

Leadership in Action

The Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority is proud to celebrate two significant leadership appointments that further strengthen our commitment to advancing health, education, and economic opportunity throughout the communities we serve.

CEO Jevon Gibson has been appointed to the Grady Health System Board of Trustees, where he will help guide one of Georgia's most vital healthcare institutions. His appointment underscores a longstanding dedication to expanding access to quality healthcare, strengthening workforce pipelines, and shaping the future of healthcare delivery across the region.

Additionally, COO Christine Wiggins has been appointed to the Atlanta Metropolitan College Board of Trustees. Through this role, she will help support educational excellence and workforce readiness initiatives that prepare students for meaningful careers and meet the evolving needs of employers.

Together, these appointments demonstrate the leadership, vision, and community engagement that define FDHA. As catalysts and connectors of change, Jevon and Christine continue to build strategic partnerships that advance workforce development, expand opportunities, and create lasting impact for the communities we serve.

Investing in the Next Generation of Healthcare Professionals

The Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority (FDHA) is making a transformative investment in the future healthcare workforce by expanding scholarship and training opportunities that create pathways into high-demand healthcare careers across Fulton and DeKalb counties. Through a combined commitment of more than $1.4 million, FDHA is supporting workforce development initiatives in emergency medical services, nursing, phlebotomy, and Community Health Worker (CHW) training.

Building on its full-scholarship support for aspiring EMTs, AEMTs, and Paramedics through the Grady EMS Academy, FDHA is investing $250,000 annually through 2028 in nursing scholarships through the Russell Stovall Memorial Scholarship Fund at Atlanta Technical College, helping address critical workforce shortages while expanding access to education, mentorship, and academic support.

The FDHA is also investing $90,000 over three years to provide phlebotomy scholarships through a partnership with the Atlanta Metropolitan College Foundation, covering tuition, fees, and certification costs while creating new entry points into the healthcare workforce. Scholarship recipients have access to mentorship, tutoring support, and community engagement opportunities that promote long-term success.

As part of an ongoing investment in community and public health, the FDHA is supporting CHW training across the counties served to introduce residents to healthcare careers while building skills that promote community health and wellness.

Together, these initiatives reflect FDHA’s commitment to strengthening the local talent pipeline, expanding career opportunities, and ensuring a healthier, more resilient future for the communities of Fulton and DeKalb.

The Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority and Atlanta Technical College Leadership Launching Multiyear Partnership

DeKalb County High School Community Health Workers Visiting Grady Outpatient Center on Flat Shoals Pkwy

New Trustee Appointment: Dr. Jeremy Cole

Vote for Dr. Patrice Basanta-Henry!

Join us in supporting FDHA Trustee Dr. Patrice Basanta-Henry, nominee for Health Professional of the Year at the RICE Awards.

A member of the FDHA Board of Trustees since 2022 and Chair of our Community Innovation Projects Committee, Dr. Basanta-Henry has been a champion for expanding healthcare access and strengthening community health initiatives.

Her leadership, service, and dedication to improving outcomes for families across our region exemplify the spirit of this prestigious award.

Let's help recognize her outstanding contributions. Vote today before voting closes on September 21.

Your Guide to Upcoming Events

FDHA Led CPR Trainings

RACE for P.A.C.E.S. September 12 | 7:30am | RACE for P.A.C.E.S. is a flagship prostate cancer awareness and screening initiative focused on early detection, education, and access to follow-up care for men most at risk. Learn more about the event here.

Frontline Readiness Training September 23 | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. | A short introductory session providing foundational knowledge on mental health and substance use awareness. Participants gain practical insights and shared language to recognize concerns and support healthier conversations in their communities. Register here.

AIDS Walk Atlanta September 26 | 9 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. | Join the AIDS Walk Atlanta team for a 5K and music festival. Your support helps fund local HIV & AIDS service organizations right here in Atlanta. Whether you’re walking, running, or just enjoying the music festival, your support makes a difference. It is not too late to register here, and get involved.

Emory University Hospital Midtown Birth Experience Expo October 31 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Join our partners at Emory University Hospital for their Emory University Hospital Midtown (EUHM) Birth Experience Expo, a special event designed for expectant parents! Enjoy intentional and tasty food items, participate in hands-on educational workshops, and enter exciting giveaways—including our featured raffle prize. This is also a wonderful opportunity to meet the compassionate EUHM care team, ask questions, and explore the resources that will support you throughout your birth journey. Register here.