According to an article in the Hartford Courant, a public board of trustees operating Atlanta-based Grady Memorial unanimously agreed to establish a nonprofit governing board to attract $300 million in immediate and long-term funding from the city's business, philanthropic and government communities as well as from the state.

The hospital serves those with most need.  Like many public hospitals around the country, it faces huge economic and infrastructural challenges. But, the public doesn't believe that switch to a nonprofit governing board is the solution and may indeed prove harmful.  For one thing, the board will change from mostly black (appointed by politicians) to mostly white business types.  There is some concern that a switch like this will reduce the incentive for the hospital to serve the black community.  There is also the mistrust of the white community's interest and intention.

As complicated as this situation is, the missteps that could have avoided the community's objections are apparent.  One major bottom line and probably for really good historical reasons: the white business community has clearly failed to establish trust with the black community.  Clearly, more and deeper work should have and could have been done.  Every step after is easy and even makes sense from an outsider's perspective.