Grady Health System has inaugurated a new outpatient center on Flat Shoals Parkway in DeKalb County, aiming to improve healthcare access in an area recently designated as a medical desert. This facility is part of a broader initiative to counteract the healthcare void left by the closure of the Atlanta Medical Center in 2022. The new center represents the first of two planned facilities to open in the county this month.
The outpatient center offers a comprehensive range of services, including primary care, behavioral health, and specialized care in nephrology and orthopedics. In addition, the facility features on-site imaging and laboratory services, which will facilitate quicker test results and enhance the overall efficiency of care for local residents.
Community Impact and Responses
Grady’s Chief Administrative Officer, Shannon Sale, emphasized the importance of having healthcare services closer to home, stating, “We’ve worked over the last few years recognizing that having care closer to home is better for the community.” The sentiment echoes throughout the community, as local leaders and residents have praised the opening of the center.
DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson reflected on the significance of this development, asserting, “People look to government for what they cannot do for themselves… and today we’re stepping up.” The positive response is evident, with appointments at the clinic fully booked for its opening week. Local resident Cathie Davenport expressed relief at the new facility, noting, “It’s a blessing because we are really Grady patients. And we have to drive to Brookhaven. So, it is a blessing to have a facility in our area.”
Community members have expressed optimism about reduced travel times for medical care and an increase in healthcare equity, highlighting the center’s potential to improve local health outcomes.
Future Plans and Collaborations
The establishment of this outpatient center marks Grady’s ninth community health center, with a tenth facility expected to open on Candler Road in the coming weeks. Anthony Saul, Grady’s Chief Operating Officer, underscored the collaboration between the health system and local authorities in making these centers a reality. He stated, “For Grady, having the ability to work with the commissioners to bring healthcare closer to our neighborhoods… it’s a tremendous win for everyone.”
The incorporation of a pharmacy and imaging labs within the facility aims to provide comprehensive care to the community. This initiative not only addresses immediate healthcare needs but also signals a commitment to long-term health equity in the region.
As Grady Health System expands its services in DeKalb County, the community anticipates a significant improvement in healthcare access and quality, illustrating a proactive approach to addressing local health disparities.
