DeKalb Medical Center and Emory Healthcare are trying to develop a “strategic partnership,” in which the first would be brought under the umbrella of the second.

The systems announced the plans Tuesday morning, saying the agreement is expected to be finalized in 2018, after regulatory agencies approve. The systems have signed a letter of intent to come up with a definitive agreement.

The news comes at the end of an at-times difficult 12 months for DeKalb Medical, which operates hospitals in the Decatur area and in Stonecrest. Late last year the CEO resigned and about 60 workers were laid off amid financial disappointments.

Current DeKalb Medical President and CEO Robert E. Wilson said the partnership with Emory, which has seven hospitals, will make his group stronger.

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“We are excited about the future,” he said in the news release. “Our community has counted on us for 56 years and we’ve always been here — growing to meet our community’s needs.”

Dr. Jonathan S. Lewin, CEO of Emory Healthcare, said Emory understands the need for community hospitals and academic medical centers.

“A partnership with DeKalb Medical will strategically support these efforts,” he said. “Both Emory and DeKalb Medical have a strong and historical commitment to providing exceptional care to the community.”

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In other news: 

Homeowners living in the Grant Forest subdivision that live on the DeKalb side are paying higher rates because the fire station that serves the county is 9 miles way.

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Joe Rich had moved to 3935 Paces Manor 2.5 year ago. on Tuesday, Sept. 22,2009, he was trapped at his house with no way out - but a boat. He has been ferrying various things back and forth and is surprised he still has power. Vinings residents were dealing with a major flooding issue Tuesday, as the Chattahoochee River made its way along the banks near Paces Ferry Road.  Many residents with upscale homes were hit hard, some for the second time since an earlier post millennia flooding episode. Since early Monday, seven lives have been taken and several other people remain missing. The record-setting rains also have closed schools and roads and have left people stranded in their homes. The river's level near Vinings was at 27.36 feet before daybreak Tuesday after cresting at 28.1 feet overnight. Flood stage is 14 feet, and anything above 20 feet is considered "major" flooding. (Photo: John Spink, jspink@ajc.com)

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Former CDC employee Barbara Marston (right) protests the recent firings and budget cuts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Ben Hendren for the AJC)

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