Jefferson County media contact: Helen Hays
Jefferson County and UAB Medicine have launched a website to help the community learn about and follow the latest news about the future of Cooper Green Mercy Health Services.
In April, the Jefferson County Commission voted for County Manager and CEO Tony Petelos to advance talks to seek an agreement for a UAB Medicine-led Authority to manage Cooper Green. Such an arrangement will only be made if both parties agree it will improve care at Cooper Green.
“The discussions we are in with UAB have the potential to greatly improve the health and wellness of Cooper Green patients,” Petelos said. “Our hope is that www.CooperGreenUpdate.com will keep our community informed during the process. It is important that all residents of Jefferson County, particularly Cooper Green patients and employees, understand why we are pursuing this important agreement and where it stands.”
The site will include background, frequently asked questions, news and updates, as well as a place to submit comments. While some details of the possible agreement have not been determined, information that is known will be added to www.CooperGreenUpdate.com.
“With its extensive expertise and resources,” Petelos said, “the UAB Health System is far better suited to run Cooper Green in this complex, modern health care environment than we are as a county government. We approached UAB about managing Cooper Green because it is the best thing to do for our patients.”
“We are happy to answer this call to help the county and Cooper Green,” said UAB Health System CEO Will Ferniany. “Any time there is change – even positive change – there will be many questions. We want the community to stay informed, and this website is just one of the many ways we will communicate with them.”