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Children's plans to collaborate with Emory University, Georgia Tech andother academic and community-based organizations who are already serving theneeds of children with autism in Georgia. Together, there is an opportunity toleverage the extraordinary research, resources and capabilities alreadyavailable in Georgia to help improve the lives of these children and theirfamilies.
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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), autismis the fastest growing developmental disorder in the country -- 1 in 150children nationally are diagnosed as having an autism spectrum disorder.
"We've got a real issue on our hands. My wife, Billi, and I recognize theimportant need for a center that will bring together educators, researchers,the medical community, and others," said Bernie Marcus, founder of The MarcusInstitute. "Children's was the ideal partner for this endeavor, given itsproven track record as a clinical provider and focus on caring for Georgia'skids."
In July 2008, Children's will begin offering services at the Marcus AutismCenter, located on Briarcliff Road where the Marcus Institute currentlyoperates. Services will include programs designed to diagnose, treat andprovide support for children who have been diagnosed with, or exhibit signs ofautism.
"We will build upon Bernie's and Billi's vision and will strive to addvalue to the fight against autism," said Children's Healthcare of AtlantaPresident and CEO Donna Hyland, noting that the incidence of autism is evengreater in Georgia -- 1 in 136 children. "With this new endeavor, we willbuild upon the great work already taking place to help children with autismhere in our state."
Children's will seek to utilize its resources in developing the MarcusAutism Center to continue diagnosing and treating Georgia's children withautism.
"We believe Children's must address autism in a meaningful way in order tosupport our continued pursuit to become a world-class pediatric health caresystem," said Douglas J. Hertz, Chairman of the Children's Board of Trustees."This collaboration will be a great building-block toward us achieving one ofour long-term strategies in caring for the children of Georgia."
Many autistic children also are diagnosed with other medical conditionsand Children's aims to improve the coordination of care for these patients andtheir families.
"Developmental disorders like autism often cause families many unansweredquestions," said Marcus. "The Marcus Autism Center is a big step toward theevolution of autism care here in Georgia that will hopefully begin answeringthese questions."
About Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, a not-for-profit organization, iscommitted to enhancing the lives of children through excellence in patientcare, research and education. Managing more than half a million patient visitsannually at three hospitals and 15 neighborhood locations, Children's is oneof the largest clinical care providers for children in the country. Children'soffers access to more than 30 pediatric specialties, and has been consistentlyranked among the top children's hospitals by Child magazine and U.S. News &World Report. With generous philanthropic and volunteer support, Children'shas made an impact in the lives of children in Georgia, the United States andthroughout the world. Visit www.choa.org or call 404-250-KIDS for moreinformation.
SOURCE Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
