Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center Achieves High Social Responsibility Ranking

Overview of the Lown Institute Hospitals Index

The 2025-26 Lown Institute Hospitals Index evaluates over 3,500 acute care hospitals across the United States. The assessment criteria focus on three key areas aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): equity, clinical outcomes, and value of care. These areas correspond to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), emphasizing the importance of accessible and high-quality healthcare for all populations.

Performance Highlights of Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center

1. Social Responsibility: Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center received an “A” grade for social responsibility, ranking fifth among 89 acute care hospitals in Georgia and 357th nationally. This achievement reflects the hospital’s commitment to equitable healthcare delivery and community well-being.
2. Clinical Outcomes and Patient Safety: The hospital also demonstrated strong performance in clinical outcomes and patient safety, further supporting SDG 3 by ensuring effective and safe medical care.

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being: By excelling in clinical outcomes and patient safety, Piedmont Athens contributes to reducing mortality and improving health standards.
• SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities: The hospital’s high grade in social responsibility highlights its efforts to provide equitable healthcare services, addressing disparities within the community.
• SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: Participation in the Lown Institute Hospitals Index reflects collaboration and transparency in healthcare improvement initiatives.

In summary, Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center’s recognition by the Lown Institute underscores its dedication to sustainable healthcare practices that align with global development goals, fostering a healthier and more equitable society.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The article discusses hospital performance in clinical outcomes, patient safety, and social responsibility, all central to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – The mention of social responsibility and equity in hospital care relates to reducing inequalities in health services.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – The evaluation of hospitals based on transparency and accountability (implied through social responsibility grading) connects to building effective and accountable institutions.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 3 Targets:
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection and access to quality essential health-care services.
   • Target 3.4: Reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health.
   • Target 3.1 and 3.2: Reduce maternal and child mortality (implied through quality care and patient safety).
2. SDG 10 Targets:
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race or other status.
3. SDG 16 Targets:
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Equity in healthcare delivery: Implied through the Lown Institute’s evaluation of social responsibility and equity among hospitals.
• Clinical outcomes: Measured by hospital performance in patient health results and safety metrics.
• Patient safety indicators: Implied through the hospital’s ranking based on patient safety performance.
• Value of care: The Lown Institute Hospitals Index evaluates value, which can be linked to cost-effectiveness and quality of care indicators.
• Hospital ranking and grades: The “A” grade and ranking among hospitals serve as composite indicators reflecting multiple dimensions of health service quality and equity.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: mainstreetnews.com