Grady Health System has opened a new outpatient center on Flat Shoals Parkway in DeKalb County, a region recently identified as a medical desert. This facility is part of a larger initiative to enhance healthcare accessibility following the closure of the Atlanta Medical Center in 2022. The center is the first of two outpatient facilities set to launch in the county this month, aiming to provide essential medical services to local residents.
The new center offers a comprehensive range of services, including primary care, behavioral health, nephrology, and orthopedics. Additionally, on-site imaging and laboratory services will facilitate faster test results, improving the overall efficiency of healthcare delivery for the community. Chief Administrative Officer Shannon Sale emphasized the importance of making healthcare more accessible, stating, “We’ve worked over the last few years recognizing that having care closer to home is better for the community.”
Community Response and Local Impact
Local leaders have voiced their support for the new facility, recognizing its significance in addressing the healthcare void in the area. DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson remarked, “People look to government for what they cannot do for themselves… and today we’re stepping up.” The overwhelming response from residents has been positive, with appointments fully booked for the opening week.
Local resident Cathie Davenport expressed her gratitude, saying, “It’s a blessing because we are really Grady patients. And we have to drive all the way to Brookhaven. So, it is a blessing to have a facility in our area.” This sentiment reflects the wider community’s eagerness for reduced travel times for medical care and enhanced healthcare equity.
Collaboration and Future Developments
Grady’s Chief Operating Officer Anthony Saul highlighted the collaboration between Grady Health System and local authorities in bringing these facilities to fruition. The new center will also include a pharmacy and imaging labs, providing a holistic approach to healthcare for the community. “For Grady, having the ability to work with the commissioners to bring healthcare closer to our neighborhoods… it’s a tremendous win for everyone,” Saul noted.
This development marks Grady’s ninth community health center, with plans for a tenth center anticipated to open on Candler Road in the coming weeks. The expansion reflects a strategic effort to ensure that healthcare services are not only available but also accessible to the communities that need them most.
