St. Mary's Medical Group - St. Mary's Health Care System

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 in the scenic foothills of Northeast Georgia, the Greater Hartwell Area, including communities like Lavonia, Hartwell, and surrounding towns, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, small-town hospitality, and convenient access to major cities like Atlanta and Greenville, South Carolina.

At the heart of the region lies Lake Hartwell, a 56,000-acre reservoir that draws thousands of visitors each year for its wide array of water activities, from boating and jet skiing to sailing and canoeing. The lake’s shoreline is dotted with natural sand beaches ideal for swimming, picnicking, or simply relaxing in the sun. Harbor Light Marina and Harbor Light Marina South, located in Lavonia, offer boat rentals and easy access to the water.

Tugaloo State Park, located on a wooded peninsula near Lavonia, is a regional gem. Its cottages, yurts, and campsites provide stunning lake views, with some accommodations featuring private boat docks. Visitors enjoy hiking along trails like the Sassafras and Muscadine, which wind through groves of oak, walnut, and cherry trees. Seasonal rentals of kayaks and canoes, plus amenities like mini-golf, tennis, and volleyball, make the park a favorite for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Lavonia, Georgia adds its own unique charm to the Greater Hartwell Area. With a walkable historic downtown full of locally owned shops, cozy cafés, and vintage architecture, Lavonia invites visitors to slow down and savor the moment. Seasonal festivals, farmers markets, and community events bring the town to life, while its welcoming spirit and Southern hospitality make it a favorite stop for travelers and a beloved home for residents. Just minutes from the lake and right off I-85, Lavonia is both a convenient hub and a delightful destination in its own right.