SR 53: Children's Healthcare of Atlanta; recognize

This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia Senate rather than a bill that changes any law. It recognizes Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, the state's only freestanding pediatric hospital system, for opening the Arthur M. Blank Hospital on September 29, 2024, a 19-story facility with 446 licensed beds that now serves as Georgia's only dedicated Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center. The resolution highlights the hospital system's scale, including its 789 licensed beds across three hospitals, more than 14,000 employees, and its top national pediatric rankings. It also notes the logistical feat of moving 202 patients by ambulance from Egleston Hospital to the new facility in under 12 hours. The resolution directs the Secretary of the Senate to send a copy of it to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta as a formal token of recognition.

• Formally recognizes and commends Children's Healthcare of Atlanta for its pediatric healthcare work in Georgia.
• Celebrates the September 29, 2024 opening of the Arthur M. Blank Hospital, a new 446-bed pediatric facility.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and send a copy of the resolution to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.
• Creates no new law, funding, or regulatory requirement, since it is a commendation rather than a bill amending Georgia code.

The resolution directly names Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, its patients, families, and staff, including nurses and physicians. It has no binding legal effect on any other group, agency, or Georgia resident.

Because this is a commendation rather than a law, it does not change any rights, funding, or regulations. Its practical effect is limited to a formal, public statement from the Georgia Senate honoring the hospital system and its new facility.

• The resolved clause recognizes and commends Children's Healthcare of Atlanta for its contributions to pediatric healthcare in Georgia.
• The resolution celebrates the opening of the Arthur M. Blank Hospital as a new addition intended to provide care to children and families.
• A further resolved clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make a copy available for distribution to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.

1. 2025-01-29Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2025-01-28Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Kim Jackson (D, SD-041)Primary sponsor
• Sonya Halpern (D, SD-039)
• Harold Jones (D, SD-022)
• Elena Parent (D, SD-044)
• Nikki Merritt (D, SD-009)
• Ed Harbison (D, SD-015)
• Sally Harrell (D, SD-040)
• Emanuel Jones (D, SD-010)
• David Lucas (D, SD-026)

• children's hospitals
• pediatric healthcare
• Atlanta
• legislative commendation