HealthyMD to Open First Clinic in Metro Atlanta This November
Exciting news for residents of Metro Atlanta! HealthyMD, a health care startup that has been making waves in South Florida, is set to open its first metro Atlanta clinic in College Park this coming November. This new facility will not only mark a significant expansion for the company but will also stand as one of HealthyMD’s largest locations, boasting over 4,000 square feet dedicated to providing essential health services focused on sexual and mental health.
A Mission to Serve
Founded back in 2014 as the Independent Medical Group, HealthyMD got its start after being approached by the Centers for Disease Control, who asked for help in combating the spread of HIV and hepatitis C in South Florida. Since then, co-founders Clifford W. Knights II and Steve Vixamar have worked tirelessly to grow the organization into a robust network of 21 mobile clinics and about a dozen brick-and-mortar locations across Florida and Georgia. But they’re not stopping there; they plan to open at least two more locations in Atlanta in the next 24 months.
Focused on Underserved Communities
The primary focus at HealthyMD is on treating individuals dealing with HIV, hepatitis C, and a variety of sexually transmitted diseases. Their commitment to serving underserved communities is at the heart of what they do. Just last year, they expanded their services to include mental health treatments as they recognized the strong link between mental health and adherence to medical therapies. “It was imperative that we started addressing the behavioral health issues,” Vixamar stated, emphasizing the importance of mental health care in overall treatment plans.
Accessibility and Support
HealthyMD aims to make its services as accessible as possible. A portion of their treatments are offered for free, and others are covered by insurance. For those who might be uninsured, the clinic is ready to help navigate a variety of assistance programs to ease the financial burdens of treatment. Knights shared that the clinic provides nearly $1 million a month in care, underscoring the vital role they play in community health.
Comprehensive Care: More Than Just Medical Services
One of the standout features of HealthyMD is its commitment to wraparound services. Vixamar explained, “If someone comes into our ecosystem, we help with whatever they may need.” This could include assistance with housing, food vouchers, or any other life resources. The goal, he noted, is to ensure that patients are prioritizing their healthcare amidst their daily challenges. “One of the things that Cliff and I realized in the very beginning is that if you’re not helping people with those social-economic needs, they’ll never prioritize their health care,” he added.
Hello, Atlanta!
As the opening date draws closer, the anticipation is building in College Park and the surrounding areas. HealthyMD’s expansion into Atlanta not only represents a new chapter for the company but also creates an opportunity for many individuals who might otherwise lack access to crucial health services. With an eye on both physical and mental health, HealthyMD aims to support the community effectively, ensuring that residents have the care they need.
Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting new clinic gets ready to welcome its first patients!
