MEDDAC MISSION/VISION

The area code for Fort Benning is 706.
 Phone numbers listed as 545 can be reached through DSN prefix 835. 
Phone numbers listed as 544 can be reached through DSN prefix 784.

The hospital is recognized as one of the best in the nation for quality of care as certified by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, and service to the community by the Army and TRADOC Communities of Excellence Evaluations.

Fort Benning's MEDDAC, a major subordinate command of the U.S. Army Medical Command, furnishes medical care to an eligible patient population in excess of 72,000 beneficiaries. Its primary facility is Martin Army Community Hospital (MACH), Building 9200, conveniently located off I-185 and Marne Road. In 1995 the hospital received full Accreditation with Commendation from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), an honor reserved for only the finest hospitals in the nation.

Since the establishment of Fort Benning in 1918, medical services have always been available. In the early days, medical care was dispensed from tents, temporary wooden buildings, and leased space in the Columbus Hospital. In 1924, services were moved into what is now the National Infantry Museum, and in 1958 Martin Army Community Hospital was opened.

Martin Army Community Hospital is named in honor of the late Major General Joseph I. Martin, Medical Corps. The hospital was opened in 1958 at a cost of slightly over $6 million. As the demand for outpatient health care grew, a 59,000 square foot ambulatory care wing was added in 1975 at a cost of $3.8 million.

To support the purchase of modern medical equipment and to ensure the compliance with the JCAHO standards, an extensive electromechanical upgrade project was completed in 1980. The latest major construction occurred in 1990 when the Emergency Room underwent renovation at a cost of $800,000. The ER now contains the latest technology available to preserve life, and can provide these services more efficiently than in the past.

In order to provide these extensive medical services, the MEDDAC employs approximately 750 civilians and 680 military staff members. Daily, the hospital provides inpatient care to approximately 125 patients and averages nearly 1,800 outpatient visits. On the average, there are 3 babies born every day at Martin Army Community Hospital, and the hospital's Outpatient Pharmacy dispenses over 2,300 prescriptions.

In addition to its medical mission, the MEDDAC has an extensive professional teaching/training mission, and in 1972 established the Army's first Family Practice Residency Program. This 3-year program maintains approximately 30 residents who provide medical services throughout the hospital.

Other specialty training programs include the clinical portion of the Army's Physician Assistant Program, a residency in Health Care Administration, Podiatric Surgery internship, training in several enlisted specialties, and numerous clinical rotations or externships conducted in cooperation with local colleges and universities.

The MEDDAC is responsible for the operation of several services outside the hospital. Those located in Soldiers' Plaza include Social Work Service, and the Preventive Medicine Service, which includes Community Health Nursing, Occupational Health, the Preventive Medicine Clinic, and the Health Screening Center.

Located near the Infantry Museum is the Army Substance Abuse Program, Exceptional Family Member Program, and the Early Intervention Program. In addition to these facilities, the MEDDAC operates four Family Practice Clinics, five on-post Troop Medical Clinics (TMCs), a Reception Station, and two satellite TMCs in support of Ranger School training in Georgia and Florida.