ABOUT THE FACILITY

St. Mary's Health Care System is a dynamic, fast-growing Catholic health care system whose mission is to be a compassionate and transforming healing presence in a multi-county region of Northeast Georgia. St. Mary's history of compassion and care for the people of Northeast Georgia dates to 1906 - more than 110 years. We have been in continuous operation since 1938 under the sponsorship of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, and since 2013, Catholic Health Ministries. Our values and mission flow from their devotion and service to God and humanity.

With three hospitals in Athens, Greensboro and Lavonia, Georgia, St. Mary's Health Care System serves Northeast Georgia with award-winning programs in stroke care and neurology, cardiac care, joint replacement, general surgery, gastrointestinal care, women's health, palliative and hospice care, and overall clinical excellence. In conjunction with the Augusta University/University of Georgia Medical Partnership, we are the official participating site for the Internal Medicine Residency Program, a thriving IM GME program accredited for 34 medical residents in rotation throughout St. Mary's Hospital's clinical units, an outpatient medical clinic in Athens, and at a rural inpatient and outpatient setting in Greene County. In addition, since 2006 we have four times received the Large Hospital of the Year distinction from the Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals.

St. Mary's Health Care System is part of Trinity Health, a Catholic national health care system located in Livonia, Michigan.

COMMUNITY DESCRIPTION

Nestled just a few miles from the shores of Lake Hartwell, Lavonia, Georgia is conveniently located between Atlanta and Greenville, South Carolina. Lavonia has the best of both worlds with a quaint historic downtown and a growing interstate exchange with many lodging and dining choices.

Thousands of people come to Lavonia each year thanks to its location right on Interstate 85 at the Georgia-South Carolina state line. Lake Hartwell and Tugaloo State Park are prime attractions in Lavonia, as well as the city’s parks.

Visitors to 56,000-acre Lake Hartwell enjoy all types of water sports including skiing, boating, sailing, jet skiing, and canoeing. Boat rentals are available from Harbor Light Marina and Harbor Light Marina South, both on the lake in Lavonia. The natural sand beaches along the shoreline are perfect for swimming, picnicking, or just relaxing.

Situated on a wooded peninsula, Tugaloo State Park’s cottages, yurts, and most campsites offer spectacular views of Lake Hartwell in every direction. Some cottages even have private boat docks for overnight guests. Tent campers can choose between the developed campground or primitive sites a short walk from the parking area.

Four miles of trails are open to hikers at the park. Both the 3.6-mile Sassafras and 0.7-mile Muscadine hiking trails at Tugaloo State Park wind through oak, walnut, mulberry and cherry trees. Other activities at the park include geocaching, horseshoes, mini-golf, tennis, and volleyball. Kayaks and canoes can be rented at the park on a seasonal basis.