Grady Health updates board on new clinics and community health needs assessment

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners held a Committee of the Whole meeting on May 20, 2025, focusing on several key updates regarding health services and community needs. The meeting began with an overview of the agenda, which included a presentation from Grady Health System, updates on the board and appointments process, and a discussion on water billing delinquent accounts.

Ryan Logue, Chief Health Policy Officer at Grady, provided an update on the ongoing partnership between Grady and DeKalb County, emphasizing the importance of their operating agreement established in December 2023. This agreement transitioned Grady from a long-standing financial relationship to a collaborative partnership aimed at enhancing healthcare access for residents of DeKalb and Fulton counties. Logue highlighted that Grady is committed to providing healthcare services regardless of patients' ability to pay and outlined the county's annual contribution of $25 million to support these services.

Logue detailed the progress on two new clinics being developed in DeKalb County. The first clinic, located at 4025 Flat Shoals Parkway, is set to be the largest neighborhood health center in the area, featuring 13 exam rooms and imaging capabilities. Construction is underway, with an expected completion date by late 2025. The second clinic, situated in the Candler McAfee Shopping Center, will also have 13 exam rooms but will not include imaging facilities. This clinic is anticipated to open by early 2026.

The discussion also touched on the planning for a third clinic, with Logue indicating that a decision on its location would be made by the end of summer 2025. He emphasized the importance of data-driven decision-making, including a Community Health Needs Assessment to identify health gaps in the community. Logue noted that accessibility to public transportation, such as MARTA, is a critical factor in determining clinic locations.

Commissioners raised questions regarding the operational funding and the accessibility of the new clinics, particularly in relation to public transit options. Logue assured the board that discussions with MARTA are ongoing to ensure that the new clinics are accessible to residents relying on public transportation.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue discussions at the upcoming PECS meeting on June 10, where further details about the clinics and community health initiatives will be shared. The board expressed appreciation for the updates and the collaborative efforts to enhance healthcare access in DeKalb County.