Gwinnett Medical Center's campaign urging Gwinnett residents to support an open heart program at the hospital has had resounding results. The hospital has received more than 600 letters in support of the program, proclamations in support of the program from both the Gwinnett County Commissioners and the City of Lawrenceville and more than 100 attendees at a community-wide gathering in October.

The hospital is preparing to file an application with state health officials to provide open heart surgery at its Lawrenceville hospital and is launching a campaign urging local citizens to support the effort.

"We know the need exists," said Phil Wolfe, president and CEO of Gwinnett Medical Center.  "Gwinnett is the largest county in the nation that does not offer open heart surgery, and – especially with our traffic situation – the travel times to hospitals that offer open heart surgery are simply unacceptable.  Lives are at risk.

"We're confident we can demonstrate that the need exists," he added, "but it's also imperative that we show community support.  Between now and the time we file the application with the state, we'll be reaching out to people throughout the county and urging them to submit letters of support for us to provide open heart surgery at Gwinnett Medical Center."

Read this article from the December 12, 2007 issue of The Milton Herald.