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St. Mary’s Center for Heart, Vascular & Neurosciences
Expanding Access. Saving Lives
The St. Mary’s Center for Heart, Vascular, and Neurosciences will expand advanced cardiovascular and stroke care services, including the region's first 4D CT scanner, expanded stroke intervention capabilities, and a dedicated electrophysiology laboratory.
This 15,000 square foot center will be constructed on top of the existing Emergency Department and Outpatient Surgical Center on the west side of the hospital.
St. Mary’s Health Care System recognizes that medical science has advanced tremendously in recent years, and we can now do more than ever to protect and restore the health of people at risk of heart attack, stroke, aneurysm, cancer, and many other conditions.
Join us in reaching our $3 million goal, and together we can save lives, restore hope, and strengthen the future of healthcare in our region.
Donate Now to the St. Mary’s Center for Heart, Vascular, and Neurosciences Project
St. Mary’s Center for Heart, Vascular & Neurosciences
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“The CHVN will continue the growth of St. Mary’s Hospital as a thrombectomy-capable stroke center – the first to be designated as such in the state of Georgia,” said Whitney Barfield, St. Mary’s stroke coordinator. “The CHVN is the only facility in Athens that provides advanced neurovascular treatments in an emergency, for monitoring, and for elective procedures, which leads to stronger recoveries and healthier futures.”
“This expansion will double our capacity to detect and treat cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death and disability in our nation,” said Dr. Erick Avelar, St. Mary’s Chief of Cardiology. “It will enhance access to state-of-the-art facilities and technologies so that we can save more lives and improve the quality of life for more people all across Northeast Georgia.”
Transformational Investments with Life-Saving Impact
The Region’s Only 4D CT Scanner
This advanced technology allows physicians to see the body in motion, not just as a still image. By watching how the heart beats, lungs breathe, and tumors shift, doctors can diagnose disease earlier and more accurately. That means:
- More precise, targeted treatment
- Fewer invasive procedures
- Faster decisions and better outcomes for patients
A Rapid‑response Stroke Unit - Because Every Minute Matters
Stroke treatment is a race against the clock. This enhanced stroke unit combines advanced imaging with lifesaving interventions, including the addition of a second neuro biplane, which allows teams to treat more patients without dangerous delays. The result:
- Faster access to care and safer, more efficient treatment
- Improved chances of recovery
For stroke patients, minutes truly mean the difference between lifelong disability and returning to independence.
Learn More about Our Stroke Recovery & Care Services
A Dedicated Electrophysiology Lab for Heart Rhythm Care
This expanded capacity allows specialists to diagnose and treat dangerous heart rhythm disorders by mapping the heart’s electrical signals in real time. With this technology, physicians can:
- Identify the exact source of irregular heartbeats
- Correct them with highly precise procedures
- Often, avoid open‑heart surgery altogether
For patients, this means safer procedures, quicker recovery, and a faster return to normal life.
Explore our Electrophysiology LabOther Ways to Donate to the Center for Heart, Vascular & Neurosciences Campaign
Donate by Check
Make your check payable to St. Mary’s Foundation and mail it to:
Foundation Office
1230 Baxter Street
Athens, GA 30606
Donate by Donor Advised Fund
To give from a Donor Advised Fund (DAF), simply recommend a grant to St. Mary’s Foundation (EIN: 58-2544232)
For More Information: Contact Jennifer Messer, Chief Development Officer, at jennifer.messer@stmarysathens.org or call (706) 614-7156.