Navicent Healths Dr. Ninfa M. Saunders Among Most Influential Georgians
Dr. Ninfa M. Saunders, President and CEO of Atrium Health Navicent was recently included on Georgia Trend's annual listing of "100 Most Influential Georgians." Saunders 2019 inclusion is the second time she has made the prestigious list in four years, demonstrating her continued impact on healthcare and Georgia's healthcare consumers.
Georgia Trend's editorial staff works throughout the year to compile the names of those leaders who use their power and influence to make the greatest contributions to their industry, their community and their state. According to a statement on Georgia Trend's website, the 100 Influential Georgians included on this year's list "have challenged, inspired and led efforts to bring about positive change in virtually every corner of the Peach State. Some are very public figures, while others work quietly behind the scenes"¦All are tireless and passionate in pursuit of their vision for a better Georgia."
Saunders is recognized as a "fierce advocate" for access to quality healthcare for all Georgians, both urban and rural residents, regardless of their race, ethnicity or socioeconomic status. She has been included on Georgia Trend's 2019 list for making a number of contributions to healthcare in the state, including:
The development of Healthy Communities, Atrium Health Navicent and programs designed to minimize healthcare disparities while improving health equity. Atrium Health Navicent recently received the American Hospital Association's 2018 Equity of Care Award for its success in improving care for all healthcare consumers, regardless of race, ethnicity or socioeconomic status. The finalization of Atrium Health Navicent's strategic combination with Atrium Health, a nationally-recognized health system based in Charlotte, N.C. The combination will allow Atrium Health Navicent to expand services to healthcare consumers throughout central and south Georgia.
The construction of Atrium Health Navicent Beverly Knight Olson Children's Hospital, a state-of-the-art pediatric hospital that will allow Atrium Health Navicent to expand pediatric services for the young patients and families who rely on Atrium Health Navicent for care.
Dr. Saunders' efforts to consolidate local healthcare options, collaborate with competitors and increase Georgia's medical profile have also drawn increased attention to both Saunders and Atrium Health Navicent.
"It is truly an honor to be recognized on Georgia Trend's list of 100 influential leaders. This recognition is testament to the wonderful progress that we are making at Atrium Health Navicent, and the impact we are having on the industry and the lives of those we serve. We are not only improving healthcare in central and south Georgia, but also setting a standard for others to follow," said Saunders.
Saunders was also recently included on Becker's Hospital Review's annual list of "130 Women Hospital and Health System Leaders to Know." This is the sixth consecutive year she has been named to the annual list.
"Atrium Health Navicent is a dynamic industry leader and a model for other healthcare providers in an evolving healthcare industry We are thrilled that Dr. Saunders and Atrium Health Navicent have been recognized for the contributions that they are making to our state for the benefit of all Georgians," said Starr Purdue, Chairperson of the Atrium Health Navicent Board of Directors.
Georgia Trend is the only statewide business publication in the market, reaching more than 50,000 subscribers. The monthly publication offers analysis of business and political trends around the state and economic development at the local level; creates a forum for leaders to voice their opinions on critical issues; and recognizes individuals, like Saunders, who make a positive impact on Georgia.
Georgia Trend's list of 100 Influential Georgians includes elected and government officials, educators, philanthropists and various industry executives, including Bill Underwood, President of Mercer University in Macon. To view the complete list, please visit http://www.georgiatrend.com/January-2019/100-Most-Influential-Georgians-of-2019-Propelling-Positive-Change/
About Atrium Health Navicent
Atrium Health Navicent, the leading provider of healthcare in central and south Georgia, is committed to its mission of elevating health and wellbeing through compassionate care. Providing more than 1,000 beds and offering care in 53 specialties at more than 50 facilities throughout the region, Atrium Health Navicent provides care for healthcare consumers' through an academic medical center; community, pediatric and rehabilitation hospitals; urgent care centers; physician practices; diagnostic centers; home health; hospice and palliative care; and a life plan community. Atrium Health Navicent is dedicated enhancing health and wellness for individuals throughout the region through nationally-recognized quality care, community health initiatives and collaborative partnerships. For more information, please visit www.navicenthealth.org.