The CarePlace Opens Free Health Clinic

By Sara Ray, Douglas County Chamber

Executive Director Frank Smith is pleased to announce the opening of The CarePlace, Douglas County’s free community health center. Smith, along with supporters, local elected officials and The CarePlace Board of Directors celebrated the opening of their location on Oct. 9 with a Douglas County Chamber ribbon cutting. The CarePlace is located at 1707 North Blairs Bridge Road in Lithia Springs.

The CarePlace was birthed out of an expressed need by hundreds of people who used The Pantry, a local food bank. It was heard repeatedly, “It was a choice this week to either feed my family or go to the doctor.” Frank formed a team of local business and community leaders to help put a plan into action to provide the much needed services to Douglasville and Douglas County.  In March of 2012, a local family donated the 7,500 square foot mortgage free medical building and the rest is history. The facility features multiple exam rooms sponsored by local churches and businesses as well as a pharmaceutical consultation services.  Future plans for the facility include opening a dental wing as well as a chapel in the basement of the three story building. 

The CarePlace built partnerships with Wellstar Douglas, Kaiser Permanente and volunteers of licensed medical/dental professionals as well as many others. The CarePlace is now qualifying patients at The Pantry on Saturday mornings when The Pantry is open. Eligible patients must be Douglas County residents, ages 19-64, uninsured or underinsured individuals and financially be within 200 percent of the federal poverty level. 

Douglas County Chamber President & CEO, Kali Boatright congratulated Frank and his team on behalf of the Chamber.  “The DC Chamber is so proud of the hard work that Frank has once again put back into the community.  Being able to offer free healthcare to those in need in Douglas County is something that has been needed for a very long time and I am honored to represent the Chamber on the Board of Directors,” commented Boatright. “We look forward to supporting your organization and helping in any way we can!” 

Commission Chairman Tom Worthan, Mayor Harvey Persons, Commissioners Kelly Robinson and Mike Mulcare as well as Councilman Sam Davis and LaShun Danley were present at the ribbon cutting offering support on behalf of the City of Douglasville and Douglas County.

For more details on qualifying as a patient at The CarePlace or for more information on the services they provide, please visit www.thecareplacedc.com or contact their office at 770-489-5990.