Our roots date back to a humble beginning. In 1940, we began as Charlotte Memorial Hospital – a public charity hospitalwhose doors were open for everyone. Nearly 80 years later, we remain committed to our original mission – now witha new name.
We are humbled and privileged to share with you that Carolinas HealthCare System is Atrium Health.
“Today, I’m proud to say we’re known as one of the nation’s leading healthcare organizations,”Atrium Health President and Chief Executive Officer Gene Woods says. “Whether it’s improving health for vulnerablecommunities through access to the newest virtual care technology, elevating hope for the parent of a sick child throughan innovative cancer treatment, or advancing healing for a patient in our emergency department through integrated behavioralhealth services, each and every day I have the privilege of witnessing our mission to improve health, elevate hope andadvance healing – for all.”
Planting the Seed
Our organization has never shied away from change. Shortly after opening our doors, our leaders helped form the foundationof what would become the U.S. Army’s 38th Evacuation Hospital Unit. This military hospital unit was made up of civilianphysicians, nurses and business leaders who felt compelled to serve their country by caring for the sick and injured duringWorld War II.
In the decades that passed, our organization began to blossom. We weathered the storms of change and like a mighty oak, ourroots grew deep, reaching even more communities. We became a destination to treat patients who had some of the most severeinjuries and complex medical cases – and we did so – providing world-class care with compassion.
We know that providing the best care can no longer be limited to traditional care settings or geographical borders. Whereverthere was a need, we rose to face the challenge: cancer; heart care; children’s care; surgery and transplant; behavioralhealth; rural care. When the scope of medical care began to change, we led the way, helping to transform our communitiesby keeping them healthy – not just taking care of them when they became sick or injured.
The Gathering Place
Since our inception, our name has been tied to our region. And during this time, it has been a source of pride for each ofthe communities we serve. And the Tree of Life, our organization’s most recognizable symbol, is more than just alogo. Because of its seasonal growth and renewal, the Tree of Life symbolizes both the preservation and regeneration oflife – principles that have always guided our commitment to our patients.
To undergo a name change, it had to be done so with purpose. We would not consider an evolution of our identity that lackedconviction or vision. Our new name will not change who we are and our vision for our patients, communities and our system– which is to be the first and best choice for care. But it does help provide some clarity in our role as the centerof health in the communities we serve.
We know that now is the time to improve health for more people. It’s no secret that healthcare is changing. While wecontinue to lead the way in developing and delivering transformative methods of care, we are committed now as ever to providingthe expert care that everyone deserves.
A New Light
When we started this process, we considered all possibilities. We knew we wanted our brand identity to be something thatwas rooted in our iconography. We knew that it had to convey both strength and warmth. We knew that it had to be instantlyrecognizable and easy to remember. Two things became clear through the process: We needed to keep our color, teal, andour Tree of Life – two representations that help define us in our communities.
So, what is Atrium?
- A place filled with light;
- Where each and every heartbeat begins;
- Where connections are made;
- Bringing health, hope and healing – for all.
Our Journey
See what we looked like when we first opened and how our identity has evolved through the years.
Learn more about our name change and make sure to follow us onFacebook,Twitter,Instagram andLinkedIn over the next several days for more on the announcement.
