Five years later: Piedmont Cartersville expands access, advances care and invests in the future

Cartersville Ga. (September 28, 2026) - Five years ago, Cartersville Medical Center became Piedmont Cartersville Medical Center, beginning a new chapter in healthcare for Bartow County and Northwest Georgia. Since joining Piedmont Healthcare in 2021, the hospital has invested more than $60 million in facility expansions, advanced technology, infrastructure improvements and clinical programs. Those investments have expanded inpatient capacity, opened a Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), strengthened cardiovascular and oncology services and increased access to advanced care close to home.

Today, Piedmont Cartersville continues to build on that momentum, combining new technology, specialty services and community partnerships to meet the needs of one of Georgia's fastest-growing regions.

"Over the past five years, we've experienced tremendous growth and transformation," said Lori Rakes, CEO of Piedmont Cartersville Medical Center. "We've expanded our facilities, invested in advanced technologies, strengthened specialty care programs and created new opportunities to better serve our patients and community. Every investment has been made with one goal in mind: improving access to exceptional healthcare close to home."

Investing in Growth

Since becoming part of Piedmont Healthcare, Piedmont Cartersville has completed several major projects to increase capacity and enhance patient care. Among the most significant was the addition of 20 inpatient beds on the hospital's 5 North unit, increasing its ability to serve the growing population of Bartow County and surrounding communities.

The hospital also opened its four-bed Level II NICU, known as the Special Care Nursery, providing specialized care for premature and medically fragile newborns closer to home. Additional infrastructure improvements, equipment upgrades and facility enhancements have strengthened the hospital's ability to meet current patient needs while preparing for future growth.

These investments have provided a foundation for strengthening services across multiple specialties and bringing more care options to patients throughout the region.

Bringing Advanced Care Closer to Home

Cardiovascular services have been a significant area of growth. Over the past five years, Piedmont Cartersville has strengthened cardiac rehabilitation and heart failure programs, enhanced diagnostic capabilities and invested in cardiovascular technologies that support comprehensive heart care.

In 2025, the hospital reached a major clinical milestone when physicians performed the first cardiac ablation procedure at Piedmont Cartersville. The addition of electrophysiology services brought advanced heart rhythm treatments to Cartersville and reduced the need for patients to travel outside the community for care.

The hospital also relocated its Cardiac Rehabilitation Center into a larger space, increasing capacity for patients recovering from heart attacks, bypass surgery, stent placement, heart failure and other cardiac conditions. Looking ahead, Piedmont Cartersville plans to build on that progress through additional electrophysiology services, cardiovascular technologies and enhancements to its cardiac rehabilitation and heart failure programs.

Expanding Services to Meet Community Needs

Beyond cardiovascular care, Piedmont Cartersville has strengthened oncology, neuroscience, pulmonary, urology and imaging services while investing in technologies that support more precise diagnosis and treatment.

Investments in oncology have strengthened access to specialized cancer care, while enhancements in imaging, breast surgery technology and diagnostic equipment are helping physicians provide more precise and timely treatment. Additional investments in neuroscience, pulmonary and urology services are also bringing more procedures and treatment options to patients in Northwest Georgia.

Piedmont Cartersville is continuing to invest in women's health through the planned opening of a new Piedmont OB/GYN office in the Physician's Center, expanding access to comprehensive care for women at every stage of life.

Investing in the Future of Healthcare

Piedmont Cartersville's investment in the community also includes helping develop the healthcare workforce of the future.

In 2026, the hospital partnered with Georgia Highlands College, the Georgia Highlands College Foundation and Cartersville City Schools to create the Piedmont Cartersville Pre-Healthcare Pathway. The program allows local students to begin college-level healthcare coursework while still in high school, creating opportunities for students interested in careers in nursing, medicine and other healthcare professions.

"Strong communities depend on strong healthcare systems," Lori Rakes said. "By helping students pursue careers in healthcare, we are investing not only in their future, but in the future health of our entire region."

Community Benefit and Impact

Over the past five years, Piedmont Cartersville has provided more than $100 million in community benefit and impact, reflecting its role as a not-for-profit healthcare provider and community partner.

That commitment extends beyond clinical care through programs, partnerships and outreach efforts designed to improve health, expand access to preventive services and support community well-being.

One example is Cut the Pressure, a hypertension awareness initiative that brings free blood pressure screenings and education into trusted community settings. Launched in partnership with The Fade Club Barber Shop, the campaign encourages early detection, helps community members know their numbers and makes ongoing blood pressure monitoring more accessible outside a traditional clinical setting.

Focus on the Future

As Piedmont Cartersville marks five years of progress, hospital leaders say the focus remains firmly on the future.

Plans over the next several years include an additional 20-bed inpatient expansion on 4 North, replacement of MRI and CT technology and continued growth of cardiovascular services. Other planned investments include expanded cardiac rehabilitation and heart failure programs, new pulmonary technologies to support advanced bronchoscopy procedures, enhanced urology capabilities and a new sleep center. Together, these initiatives will further strengthen access to patient-centered care throughout the region.

As Piedmont Cartersville continues to recruit physicians and caregivers, expand specialty services and strengthen community partnerships, the hospital remains committed to improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves.

"The last five years have laid a strong foundation, but we're just getting started," Lori Rakes said. "We remain committed to growing alongside our community and ensuring patients have access to the exceptional healthcare they need, when and where they need it."