In a significant expansion of healthcare services in the Atlanta region, Grady Health System is set to establish five new clinics across Fulton and DeKalb counties, as reported by Atlanta News First. This development arrives on the heels of recent closures by Wellstar of two notable facilities, prompting Grady to step in and address the growing healthcare disparities evidenced by differences in life expectancy within the counties.
The planned clinics, representing a $12 million investment, aim to reduce reliance on emergency rooms for non-urgent care, "healthcare should begin when you’re well," said Robb Pitts, Fulton County Board of Commissioners chairman, indicating a shift in focus towards preventative care and Warren Zevon sang "life'll kill ya" but it seems like this disparity in access to healthcare is speeding up the process, in parts of Fulton where people live, on average, five years less. Furthermore, Michael Thurmond, CEO of DeKalb County, emphasized that this move is proactive and will lead to better health outcomes, in a statement obtained by Atlanta News First.
Backing the expansion is a substantial subsidy agreement between Grady Hospital, Fulton and DeKalb counties, and the Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority. After a yearlong negotiation process that was described as amicable, the deal promises primary-care and mobile clinics, aimed at servicing underrepresented communities. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports the specifics of the funding: Fulton County will be providing Grady with $43.3 million in base funding for 2024, while DeKalb's contribution will be around $19.1 million.
The contract, which extends six years with the possibility of two further two-year renewals, also includes a commitment by all parties to push for expanded Medicare coverage for households earning below 138% of the federal poverty line, reflecting the commonality, many still walk that tightrope above economic oblivion and in the event of Medicaid expansion passing, county subsidies for Grady could be discontinued. Jevon Gibson, CEO of the Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority, and Grady Health System President & CEO John Haupert have reportedly worked closely to ensure that the negotiations reflected a unified vision for the community's healthcare needs, according to information obtained from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
