Press Release: Good Samaritan Gwinnett Celebrates Expansion of Healthcare Access With New Screening & Prevention Annex
[Norcross, GA.] (Wed. April 23, 2025) – Good Samaritan Health Centers of Gwinnett proudly hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, to celebrate the grand opening of its new Screening & Prevention Annex (SPA) at the East clinic location (1175 Commercial Court, Norcross, GA). The Screening & Prevention Annex (SPA) will serve as a dedicated space for screening patients, treating infectious diseases, and providing childhood vaccinations.
The event marked a significant milestone in the organization’s ongoing efforts to expand access to healthcare for uninsured and underserved individuals across the metro Atlanta area. According to 2023 data from the U.S. Census Bureau, 16.2% of Gwinnett County residents lack health insurance – a rate higher than the metro Atlanta area’s average of 11.2%. The uninsured rates contribute to delayed medical care and increased vulnerability to preventable diseases.
This vulnerability is especially evident when it comes to respiratory illnesses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), respiratory viruses like COVID-19 cause millions of illnesses, thousands of hospitalizations, and deaths each year nationwide. Georgia is no exception. The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPA) reports 138 flu-related deaths since October 2024, highlighting the ongoing threat of seasonal influenza.
At the same time, Georgia has seen a rise in whooping cough (pertussis) cases. The Georgia DPA has recorded six times as many pertussis cases in 2024 compared to 2023, with 280 confirmed cases statewide – nearly three times the count of 2023.
As these statistics highlight, preventive measures such as vaccinations remain critical. Staying up to date on childhood immunizations and adult booster vaccines is an essential defense against the spread of infectious diseases. Good Samaritan Gwinnett’s SPA reinforces the organization’s commitment to increasing access to preventive care, health education, and early intervention for the uninsured and underserved population.
“This annex is a commitment to proactive, accessible healthcare for every patient who walks through our doors,” said Shameka Allen, CEO of Good Samaritan Gwinnett. “As Gwinnett grows, so must our efforts to ensure our uninsured neighbors and underserved communities are not left behind when it comes to healthcare.”
“We’re grateful to our local leaders, healthcare partners, and community members for celebrating this milestone with us,” said Greg Lang, CFO of Good Samaritan Gwinnett. “Their support reinforces the importance of investing in community health infrastructure to better serve our uninsured neighbors.”
During the event, attendees were invited to tour the new facility. The new annex builds upon the success of Good Samaritan Gwinnett’s first SPA, opened at its Buford Highway clinic in 2021.
See how the community came together to celebrate. Visit our LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram pages for photo moments from the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
###
About The Good Samaritan Health Centers of Gwinnett
The Good Samaritan Health Centers of Gwinnett, a nonprofit clinic, is dedicated to providing quality, low-cost primary healthcare and dental services to uninsured individuals, aiming to bridge the gap in health disparities for low-income and uninsured populations. By offering accessible care, Good Samaritan Gwinnett strives to alleviate the reliance of the uninsured on emergency room services for non-emergent medical needs, thereby contributing to the reduction of indigent care costs on the public healthcare delivery system. Additionally, Good Samaritan Gwinnett serves as a platform for aspiring medical professionals to advance their educational goals while fulfilling their commitment to serving the most vulnerable members of our community. For more information about Good Samaritan Gwinnett, or to learn how you can support its mission, visit www.goodsamgwinnett.org or follow the organization on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and WhatsApp.
