The Coweta Samaritan Clinic has announced the launch of its “Enhancing and Expanding Care” campaign. This crucial fundraising campaign, which includes both capital and programming support, will allow the Clinic to better meet the needs of its patients now and in the future.
The total campaign goal is $650,000, which will support building updates and the addition of onsite dental services at the Clinic.
“We have been incredibly blessed to be able to serve our patients for the last thirteen years because of the generosity of our community,” said Kay Crosby, M.D, Clinic founder, chairman, and volunteer medical director. “As we continue to see consistent demand for our services, including the need for additional dental services, we have developed a plan that will enrich our current services and allow us to effectively care for our community for years to come.”
The Coweta Samaritan Clinic opened in October 2011 to provide free primary and specialty healthcare services to uninsured adult residents of Coweta County. Services include testing, procedures, medications, supplies, and psychosocial support. The Clinic has provided nearly 36,000 patient visits at its location near downtown Newnan since opening.
Thanks to a longstanding partnership with the Central Educational Center, West Georgia Technical College’s Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene Programs, and volunteer dentists in the community, the Clinic has been able to provide limited basic and restorative dental care to its patients. Even with these partnerships, the Clinic estimates it meets only ten percent of patients’ dental needs. In response, the Clinic has identified underutilized space in its building and has developed plans to renovate this space to create three dental operatories and support areas, including laboratory, sterilization, and storage.
The Clinic also conducted a comprehensive review of its entire facility and identified renovations that would improve patient experience and operational efficiency. Key highlights of building renovations include:
- Remodeling patient exam rooms to modernize delivery of healthcare services
- Updating the lobby with a dedicated patient resource station that features a food pantry (for both perishable and nonperishable items), educational information, books, and clothing/personal hygiene items
- Refreshing patient-facing areas, including offices for patient eligibility screenings, psychosocial services, and other wraparound services the Clinic offers
- Creating a new medical provider workspace to allow for greater collaboration and efficiency in care among volunteer and staff providers
- Updating HVAC and lighting throughout the building for greater energy efficiency and patient comfort
Construction will occur in three to four phases. The project will begin with HVAC and lighting replacement, continue with medical services renovations, and conclude with the dental services wing. KAOD Designs assisted with initial concept and design planning, and Tomco Construction, Inc., will oversee the construction project.
"At Tomco Construction, we take immense pride in our deep-rooted ties to the community," said Tom Crymes, president of Tomco Construction. "For over 27 years, we've been dedicated to delivering exceptional construction solutions, and now, we are honored to lend our expertise to this vital healthcare initiative."
The collaboration between Tomco Construction and the Clinic exemplifies the power of local partnerships in effecting positive change. "As a local business, we understand the unique needs of our community," Crymes stated. "By joining forces with the Coweta Samaritan Clinic, we can make a meaningful impact on healthcare accessibility for generations to come."
The Coweta Samaritan Clinic relies solely on community contributions to operate, and this one-time fundraising campaign is separate from its annual fundraising. The community is invited to be part of this crucial effort to improve the lives of Coweta County residents.