New Outpatient Center Opens in Atlanta’s West End to Bridge Health Care Gaps
Atlanta has recently taken significant strides towards improving health care access for its residents, particularly in the West End area. Leaders from Fulton County and Grady Health System came together to celebrate the opening of the Lee+White Outpatient Center—a new facility aimed at addressing critical health care disparities facing the community.
Strategic Location for Better Care
In a beautiful ceremony marked by a ribbon-cutting event, officials highlighted the importance of this new clinic in their ongoing mission to facilitate accessible health services. “Grady has worked strategically to identify areas that need better access to medical care, and our new Lee+White location is another step toward filling that gap,” said Shannon Sale, Chief Strategy Officer at Grady.
The location was chosen deliberately, as many residents in the area have reported insufficient access to primary health services. Dr. Kelley Carroll, Chief Ambulatory Officer at Grady, pointed out that “these zip codes don’t have enough primary care services.” This clinic provides an opportunity to reach patients who might otherwise struggle to receive proper care.
Facility Features and Services
Spanning an impressive 16,000 square feet, the Lee+White Outpatient Center is strategically located at 1000 White Street, nestled within the bustling Lee+White complex—a mixed-use development that embodies the spirit of community and innovation. The facility will offer a variety of services including primary care, geriatric care, and orthopedic care alongside vital services such as HIV and behavioral health.
Equipped with 20 exam rooms, an on-site pharmacy, two mammography rooms, and designated X-ray and laboratory spaces, the center is designed to cater to a wide range of medical needs. This clinic adds to a growing network of neighborhood clinics that Grady has opened, adding significant means of care accessibility for local residents.
Community Struggles Addressed
The urgency for better health services in the area became even more pronounced following the closure of Wellstar Health System’s hospitals in East Point and downtown Atlanta. As Fulton County Commission Chair Robb Pitts noted, “The catalyst for this, quite frankly, was when Wellstar closed. That really impacted a segment of our community.” Pitts recognized that Grady’s commitment to providing health care is vital in meeting the needs of residents in light of these recent challenges.
Preventative Care: The Key to Healthier Lives
As the Lee+White Outpatient Center gears up to officially open its doors on September 23, the focus remains on preventative care. Dr. Carroll emphasized the importance of keeping patients out of emergency rooms for manageable health conditions like diabetes or heart ailments. “If we can prevent that and keep them in primary care, we’ll have less demand for the emergency room,” she explained.
Already, the Cascade Road clinic, which opened last year, is showing promising results in terms of patient outcomes. What’s more, Grady has plans to expand its reach even further, with additional clinics being mapped out in two locations in DeKalb County.
Community Development and Support
In an encouraging sign of community commitment, DeKalb and Fulton county leaders have pledged over $60 million in support over the next decade to bolster health services in the community. “We’re rebounding,” Pitts noted, but emphasized the need for continued collaboration with Wellstar to ensure that the healthcare needs of Fulton County residents are met moving forward.
Looking Ahead
As preparations continue for the grand opening, excitement is brewing in the community. The Lee+White Outpatient Center is set to not only provide medical services but also create a welcoming environment for residents to access the care they deserve. Everyone involved is hopeful that this center will significantly improve health equity and enhance the overall well-being of the community.
