While many Americans might befocused on the cost of their ownhealth care or concerned about therising cost in healthcare expenses, itis safe to bet that a majority alsomight not know much about thehealth center, known as MedLinkGeorgia, that has been trying toimprove the health of NortheastGeorgia communities since 1979.
Federally Qualified Health Centers, like MedLink Georgia, provide health care for patients that need it most, whether it be in underserved areas in rural Georgia or for low-income areas where patients might not otherwise be able to afford the care they need.
These centers have been the backbone of the health care system for the economically disadvantaged in both urban and rural areas. They provide quality health care and affordable medication to people regardless of their ability to pay and offer sliding fee scales to uninsured or underinsured patients who qualify. In addition, MedLink serves local communities through available resources and education.
Federally Qualified Health Centers are also important beyond traditional, everyday preventative care. These centers are vital to help meet the state’s emerging health priorities. During the pandemic, MedLink Georgia played a key role in providing testing and care for those affected by the COVID-19.
Now, post-pandemic, we see another emerging health priority for behavioral health services. Lockdowns and the associated isolation, lack of personal contact, and missing out on important life events have fueled issues like loneliness, anxiety, depression and substance use disorders, especially in vulnerable groups.
MedLink Georgia continues to meet an array of healthcare needs for patients and communities. In addition to primary care, they provide behavioral health, nutrition counseling, diabetes education, women’s health, medicationassisted treatment for substance use disorder, general dentistry, podiatry, and pharmacy services to over 51,000 patients.
By Tiffany Rucker, Marketing Manager for MedLink Georgia
