A ProPublica investigation of Albany, Georgia, explores how a dominant hospital system, Phoebe Putney Memorial, became the city’s most powerful economic and political force. While the city suffered severe, long-standing health disparities and was hit hard by COVID-19, the story reveals deeper issues of race, poverty, and health care monopoly power. As Phoebe expanded, health outcomes worsened and costs rose, including some of the nation’s highest insurance rates, while critics say the hospital has helped entrench inequality and limit accountability.
Judges’ comments:
The five-part series was beautifully written, deeply reported and compelling from start to finish. Impressive reporting coupled with effective narratives laid out a strong expose on the devastation and lack of accountability one institution caused when choosing profits over people.