Erlanger celebrates move to private, non-profit hospital

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Erlanger and local officials came together today to celebrate the hospital’s change in status.

Recently, Erlanger became a 501 C (e), private, non-profit hospital after transitioning from being publicly owned by Hamilton County.

Officials at the time said the move was made to make Erlanger more competitive in the hospital industry.

Today, city, county and state leaders said this move signals a bright future for the Erlanger Health System.

Tennessee Senator Bo Watson of District 11 said, “I would say if you would talk to any of the attorneys here, and I see a few of them out there, they would tell you this has been one of the smoothest transitions from a public institution to a non-profit organization that they have experienced, and that goes to what was referenced earlier, the leadership of the group here.”

Also celebrated today is Erlanger’s 130th anniversary.

They had pictures of the evolution of the hospital over its history.

Both Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly and Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp spoke at the event.

Erlanger holding their “Past, Present, and Future” Celebration.