CHI Memorial Launches Care Closer to Home Capital Campaign for New Facility in Ringgold

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An update has emerged from CHI Memorial regarding their forthcoming hospital project in Catoosa County, and they’re extending an invitation to the community to support it through donations.

CHI Memorial has officially initiated the public phase of its “Care Closer to Home” capital campaign, which is geared towards funding the construction of a new hospital facility in Ringgold. The campaign has already achieved a significant milestone, with over 50% of the $5 million goal secured, thanks to generous lead donations from the Frank Pierce Foundation and Rich and Barbara Kramer.

Now, the healthcare system is inviting local residents and community members to join hands with these benevolent donors in contributing to the cause. The primary objective is to raise the remaining $2 million by June 2024. Contributions of any amount, big or small, will play a crucial role in reaching the fundraising target.

To make your contribution, you can visit supportmemorialfoundation.org/donate or call (423) 495-4438. Importantly, all funds designated for CHI Memorial Hospital Georgia will be dedicated to support the new hospital project, ensuring that they remain within the Northwest Georgia community.

Angie Stiggins, CHI Memorial Hospital Georgia administrator, expressed, “Our citizens have rallied behind this project since day one, to have their own first-class community hospital. The public phase of the campaign is an invitation for everyone who cares about Catoosa, Dade, and Walker Counties to make a gift to have their healthcare closer to home.”

The journey to build a new hospital began when CHI Memorial acquired the license to operate the current CHI Memorial Hospital Georgia in Fort Oglethorpe, GA, in December 2017. Since then, the hospital leadership has remained committed to constructing a modern facility equipped with the latest technology and capabilities. The acquisition of the certificate of need (CON) from the State of Georgia in December 2022 marked a significant step in the project’s progress.

Andrew McGill, Chief Strategist at CHI Memorial, highlighted the collaborative efforts of hospital employees, clinicians, physicians, and design and construction experts in developing the design plans to cater to patients’ needs. These finalized design documents are scheduled for submission to the State of Georgia this month, with approval anticipated in late fall.

The new hospital in Ringgold is set to feature 64 inpatient beds, complete with an intensive care unit (ICU), a full-service emergency department, operating rooms, comprehensive imaging services, and non-invasive cardiac imaging. This modern facility will seamlessly integrate with the existing CHI Memorial Rees Skillern Cancer Institute and medical office buildings, offering a comprehensive healthcare experience for inpatients and outpatients alike.

For those who wish to support this vital endeavor, donations can be made online at supportmemorialfoundation.org/donate, or donors can contact the CHI Memorial Foundation at (423) 495-4438. All funds raised through the “Care Closer to Home” capital campaign will be dedicated to directly support the new CHI Memorial Hospital Georgia project, under the stewardship of Rick Partain, North Georgia president of FirstBank.

About CHI Memorial: CHI Memorial, a not-for-profit, faith-based healthcare organization, is dedicated to the healing ministry of the Church. Established by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth and strengthened as part of CommonSpirit Health, CHI Memorial provides a continuum of care that includes preventive, primary, and acute hospital care. Their services encompass cancer, cardiac, neuroscience, and stroke care, along with orthopedic and rehabilitation services. CHI Memorial is a regional referral center of choice, boasting 4,600 employees and nearly 600 affiliated physicians committed to delivering healthcare across Southeast Tennessee, North Georgia, and Northwest Alabama. For more information, visit memorial.org.