April 7, 2025 (ATLANTA): Mercy Care is pleased to announce the appointment of Mary Ellen Garrett as the new board chair of Saint Joseph’s Health System. Ms. Garrett succeeds outgoing board chair Michael Anderson.

Ms. Garrett has been actively involved with Mercy Care since the early 2000s. “When I was introduced to Mercy Care, I was grateful to find an inviting home in which to give, to care, and to do meaningful work,” she commented. “As Chair, I plan to share Mercy Care’s mission with those who might be unaware of the important work we’re doing, as well as encourage increased participation among our existing supporters.”

For many years, Ms. Garrett has shown her support for local Catholic ministries as a Trustee of St. Joseph Hospital Board and will continue in her role as Trustee for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul National Council and the Parkinson’s Foundation. Her career as a wealth management advisor for The Garrett Group at Merrill spans 40 years where she has earned industry recognition including being named among the “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” by Forbes magazine for three consecutive years. She and her husband are parish members of St. Jude Catholic Church in Sandy Springs.

“We are so privileged to have Mary Ellen heading up our board of directors,” said Kathryn Lawler, chief executive officer of Mercy Care. “Her extensive experience in financial management and her ongoing dedication to serving the Atlanta community make her an ideal leader for our board.”

###

About Saint Joseph’s Health System and Mercy Care

For 40 years, Mercy Care has worked with compassion and integrity to bring clinically excellent healthcare to everyone who needs it, regardless of their circumstances or ability to pay. Continuing the legacy of the Sisters of Mercy ministry founded in 1831, Mercy Care is Atlanta’s only federally qualified health center designated to serve the homeless (in its Decatur Street clinic). With four locations supported by a street medicine team, mobile clinic, recuperative care program and intensive integrated permanent supportive housing program, Mercy Care provides comprehensive care for the whole person with a focus on those who have been left behind by traditional healthcare. In 2024, Mercy Care saw more patients than any other year in its history. Mercy Care provided more than 77,000 appointments to more than 19,000 people. Mercy Care also became the first health system in Atlanta to invest in affordable housing, opened 170 units in 2024 with another 98 scheduled to break ground in summer 2025.  Saint Joseph’s Health System is the umbrella organization that provides direct financial support and oversight to Mercy Care.

More information is available at www.mercyatlanta.org.