Trust me when I say that it is highly unusual for funders to ask “if you could get funding for a dream project, what would you do and why?” And that makes sense, right? We’re a nonprofit. We live hand to mouth most of the time, relying on the generosity of others so we can continue to care for our neighbors. Our work needs to be measurable, evidence-based, and consistent. Our donors need to know that we are a good and safe place to invest their resources. And this suits my personality just fine. I like the stability and steadiness of keeping things moving along, with excellence and good data.

So, when Direct Relief approached us in late spring 2021 and asked “what innovative ideas do you have for addressing the inequities that further health disparities?” and “what if we gave you the money to try?”, I was dumbfounded. Breanna wasn’t though. This chance to dream and problem solve suits her well. We make a good team.

Direct Relief is a staple in the humanitarian and free and charitable care communities both in the U.S. and abroad. Their more than 70-year history is rich with respectful emergency response, aiding refugees, and providing medical resources and supplies to organizations like Good Sam, free of charge. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Direct Relief not only devoted themselves to meeting immediate needs like testing, PPE and oxygen supplies, emergency funding, and vaccine access, but also creating opportunities for service organizations to respond to the social determinants of health for populations who would once again be disproportionately affected by the pandemic for years to come.  The Fund for Health Equity was established at Direct Relief with the help of the AbbVie Foundation and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. This fund supports community health centers and other community-based organizations as they address health disparities through programs designed to diversify the health care workforce, overcome health outcome barriers, and support digital health as an access point.

We went all in with our application to the fund last year, addressing as many of their focus areas as possible in hopes they would like one of the programs we suggested. Imagine our surprise and gratitude when they decided to make it possible for us to pursue all of them! Beginning in August 2021, the Fund for Health Equity allowed us to expand access to case managers for our patients, expand our Market offerings and provide food vouchers for patients and neighbors to shop free of charge, and expand our coveted internship programs to marginalized individuals through intentional recruitment and by being able to offer generous stipends for the first time in our history.

As our funding year with Direct Relief draws to a close, we are incredibly grateful for everything they made possible over the last 365 days. We dreamed big, with the hope we could do more to help, and we did! We’ve handed out nearly 6,000 vouchers for neighbors to shop at our Market. We’ve added peanut butter, brown rice, sunflower oil, and more to our already great selection of certified-naturally grown produce. Our Community Outreach Manager, Market Manager, and Wellness Director, all of whom you’ve heard from in previous blog posts, received salary support in their efforts to go into the community and provide knowledge about and access to the work that happens on our campus. Our case managers, Erika and Monica, were able to meet with hundreds of patients in need of additional services and connect them to community resources that will help stabilize their daily lives and give them a better chance at health. We got to spend time with interns, like Anusha, Ashanti, Justice, and Ayanna, who taught us as much, if not more, than we taught them.

This experience with Direct Relief has been educational and encouraging. And the next time someone asks to fund our dreams, I’ll be ready!

Heather Kersey

Chief Development Officer
Good Samaritan Health Center

There are approximately 1,400 free and charitable clinics scattered throughout the U.S. The number of Federally Qualified Health Centers also hovers right around 1,400. These clinics, along with their satellites and multiple service locations, create the nation’s health care safety net. The term safety net is used to describe health care for people without insurance, those with Medicaid, or those experiencing poverty. It conjures up an image of people falling through the gaps in a nation where access to health care is tied to insurance, income, and employment. While this is true, the safety net is also described as a last resort or a lower tier of health care. The longer I work at Good Sam and the more I connect with colleagues working in health centers like us across the U.S., the more I am convinced that these neighborhood health centers represent the very best of health care.

We deliver quality, evidence-based care, and are willing to do the case management, partnership-building, and fundraising it requires to do what is best for every single person. We also recognize that health care is only one part of building healthy lives. Whether it’s fresh produce, exercise classes, Uber rides to visits, the prayer line, free medication, or care packages for new moms, our goal is to surround our community with what they need to live a healthy life. Yet, what is most unique and powerful about the work we do is the way we know our patients beyond the numbers and symptoms listed in their charts. We know their stories and families. We know their favorite foods at The Market, their prayer requests, and what kind of toothbrush they use. We know where they work, where their grandchild is going to college, the addictions they left behind, the ones they are still fighting, their celebrations and their pain. Everyone at Good Samaritan works to create a space in which people are seen and loved.

At Good Samaritan, our mission is, “spreading Christ’s love through quality health care to those in need.” We start our morning with a time of devotion and prior to COVID, when hanging out indoors with large groups of people was safe, we would invite patients to join us in this time. One of my colleagues would remove her shoes and stand barefoot in the lobby each time she gave devotion. “This is holy ground,” she told me.

I am reminded of her words almost daily at the clinic. When a team member stays late to wait with a patient for her ride to come, it’s holy ground. When a dental assistant calls a patient’s daughter because she is worried he seems a bit more confused than usual, it’s holy ground. When a farmer invites a patient to sit under the pecan trees and rest, it’s holy ground. When a provider skips lunch because a patient is crying and isn’t ready to leave, it’s holy ground. I have never felt closer to God than when I am at the clinic, working alongside my colleagues as they do this work in beautiful ways each day.

In the words of one of our patients, “I love the staff. This is the best clinic I’ve ever been to. Not only the support, but I can consider them as my friends. You can just speak and have a little conversation, and feel like these people really care about me. Feeling that you matter to somebody, no matter what your circumstances or where you’re coming from.” Our patients matter to God and they matter to us.

This National Health Center Week is a good reminder to all of the holy work happening across our country. An encouragement that, though there is a lot of darkness in the world right now, 1,400 fellow Centers are committed to bringing light and hope and safety.

Breanna Lathrop Chief Operations Officer
Good Samaritan Health Center

The start of the Second Quarter is always an exciting time on the farm. It’s time to harvest the first fruits of the year’s harvest as it’s the start of The Market season. The first morning of The Market feels inspiring and motivating, especially this year being able to operate out of the new pavilion space. We arrive at an early hour, get out all of the harvesting equipment that hasn’t been seen since the cold days of December, put on some music, and get to harvesting. Harvesting is a lot of work, but there is something gratifying about pulling 10 pounds of carrots out of the ground, washing all the dirt off, and revealing their vibrant orange roots and floppy lush greens.

The tricky thing about this time of year is the way it begins with ideal weather but abruptly turns cruel. In April, it’s cool enough to have low pest & weed pressure, most of the danger of frost is gone, and all your crops look like they were grown in Eden. However, that illusion is rudely disrupted by the time the heat of June rolls around. This June came with an unusual two weeks stretch of near 100-degree days, with no rain. Regardless of our 6:00 am start times and access to irrigation, the heat still took a toll on some of our crops and farm staff, causing wilt to both plant and person. Thankfully, most of our crops bounced back, as did all of our farm team.

As for the farm team, we have been fortunate to be joined by two seasonal farm hands this year. Hannah Burton will be with us through the fall and Katherine McWhirter will be with us during her summer break from college. This powerhouse team of women has started off the farm season strong, and we are incredibly thankful for these extra sets of capable hands.

The other ladies of the farm are our bees. There is a lot we know about them, but they still throw mysterious curveballs our way. One April morning, our center hive decided it was time to swarm, making a mass Exodus beyond the kudzu-lined walls of the farm. They were a strong and active hive, so their departure left us and our advisors scratching our heads. When May rolled around, one of our remaining hives mysteriously was without a queen. Attempts were made to give it a new one, but the ladies failed to follow through with a coronation and the hive succumbed to hive beetles. Cleaning the hive of the beetles, there were a few thousand bees left and in need of a home. Alexis successfully experimented with combining these stranded ladies into the neighboring hive. Since then, the hive has been thriving and making gobs of honey. We will give them more time to build their supply before trying to harvest and will return the other two hives at the beginning of next year.

This is an entertaining and busy time of the year. It is a revolving door of out with the old, in with the new. There’s a clear shift from spring into summer crops, creating a gratifying transition of change. The farm is fully staffed, the bees keep us on our toes, and the market is bustling with customers. The excitement of the farm really begins in April and tends to quiet to more a steady pace in mid to late fall. At which point we start looking to the slower days of winter when we begin to rest more and plan for the next year when it all starts back up again.

Nobie Muhl
Farm Manager
Good Samaritan Health Center

To help the Farm and Market grow, follow the link to donate to Good Sam Today!

When Good Samaritan Health Center moved to its current location on Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway, our goal was to not only address accessible healthcare within the community but also to address other social determinants that might affect one’s health, such as access to healthy food. Good Sam is located right in the middle of a federally identified food desert, meaning that our neighbors have to travel more than 1 mile to access a food store that sells healthy produce and nutritional products, so they rely primarily on Dollar General, convenience stores, or fast food in the area. As you can imagine, this creates more chronic diseases within the population, further perpetuating the circle of inequality for our priority zip codes 30318 & 30314.

In an effort to address this social determinant of health, our 1-acre of land behind Good Sam was purchased, and the Urban Farm was conceived in 2013. A year later, we launched the first CSA membership program and added the foodRx prescription program, which at the time, 10 of our patients were able to receive a weekly share. Since its inception, the Market has steadily seen an increase in encounters each year.

In 2017, as part of a capital campaign, Good Sam purchased the building that loosely stood next door, demolished it, and began building a wellness center that would host the YMCA of Metro Atlanta. In addition, we also began constructing a larger pavilion that would become a permanent farmer’s market space for the expanding farm and food access efforts. Construction started in 2017 and was finished in 2020. However, due to COVID-19, the spaces weren’t officially open until April 30^th of this year.

Since the Grand Opening of The Market Pavilion, we have not only received a lot of positive feedback about our new space, but we have also been able to partner with multiple farm vendors, expanding our selection of certified naturally grown produce. We now sell our own variety of produce as well as some pantry staple items from these farmers, such as peanut butter from Koinonia Farms, red and black beans, and brown rice from 1,000 Spring Mill. We are currently looking for more partners to work with and welcome any connections.

A loyal customer, Ms. Mattie Howard, told me she loves the new Market space for several reasons: our additional seated areas, new vendors, and new gates created at the Market. We now have an educational book area, where books range from DIY gardening techniques to the evolution of butterflies. I am excited that more children have taken an interest in our books.

The most important and rewarding addition to our Market this season has been the opening of our community gates, which has allowed us to interact with more of our neighbors and community residents, often allowing for ministry opportunities to pray over those who need it.

The opening of the gates has also led to an increase in new faces. With each day, we are seeing more and more from the community stop by and shop. Another tremendous help to the Market has been our increased engagement on social media platforms. Our Instagram page has brought us customers from different areas of metro Atlanta. We have received positive feedback, genuine curiosity, and an influx of questions ranging from farming to gardening. The vision for the Market is to connect with our community and provide them with nutritious food at an affordable price, and we are sticking to that. I am excited for the next phase of our growth.

Audrey Clark
Community Outreach and Market Manager
Good Samaritan Health Center

To help the Farm and Market grow, follow the link to donate to Good Sam Today!

Trigger and Content Warning: this post contains references to pregnancy and child loss.

Good Samaritan Health Center's Prenatal Program is one of the most important parts of the clinic's ministries and has served thousands of patients since its inception in 2000. I have been honored to work with many strong mamas as a nurse practitioner in this program. In days filled with chronic disease, sick visits, and pain, it's lovely to work with moms who are generally healthy, happy, and excited. The commitment and drive that moms have to do everything they can to help their baby never fails to amaze and motivate me. No matter the circumstance, whether the mom has been trying to get pregnant for years or if the pregnancy is a less-than-welcomed surprise, the mothers I've worked with express joy at the prospect of the new life growing in her belly. I love being a part of this journey!

Kelly Hudson, a nurse practitioner, and midwife, started the prenatal program in response to needs that Dr. Warren saw in the moms of his pediatric patients. Kelly still works at Good Sam today and has passed on her vast knowledge in this area and of this program to me! The program has grown and evolved over the years, but the general structure is: patients pay an affordable, one-time fee, which is waived for unhoused patients, and the mom will complete all of her prenatal care at Good Sam. Then from 36 weeks to birth, our wonderful collaborating physician, Dr. Lathan Overstreet, takes over care. Once the baby is born, mom and her new little joy return for two postpartum visits, which are included in the original payment. Our program is for low-risk pregnancies only. Should a woman become high risk, Dr. Overstreet may help guide us in mom's continued care, take over care entirely, or refer the mom to another physician. Dr. Overstreet always makes himself available for any questions we have, no matter how basic or complex, and we are very blessed by his service!

Unfortunately, we don't offer ultrasounds on-site because that would require a specialist to read them. Patients are currently paying out of pocket for ultrasounds that can run anywhere from $150 to $450. We are looking for other more affordable options or an ultrasound partner that will honor our fee scale; please join us in prayer over this need!

The majority of my experiences in the Good Sam Prenatal Program have been a delight. However, one of my worst fears became a reality for one of our prenatal patients. At 38 weeks gestation, her baby died in utero. A healthy, problem-free pregnancy, which was already at term and completely viable, ended. This mom had to endure labor only to say goodbye. I still cry when I think about it, but this terrible experience also highlights why Good Sam's prenatal program is so vital to the community. This baby was completely healthy, and there was nothing that the mom or any medical provider could have done to prevent the loss. The umbilical cord wrapped around the fetus's neck, and she passed. An awful experience that could have been worse without a supportive care environment. Imagine losing a term pregnancy with no medical support to make you understand that there was nothing you or anyone else could have done to prevent this loss. Imagine not being connected to counseling and a grief support group and going through this all alone. I was with this patient from her first trimester all the way through the birth of her next child, a healthy baby boy. When mom lost her first baby, I was grateful to be in a place where I could pray with her, talk with her, connect her to mental health resources, and follow up on her. I never want any mom to have to go through this awful experience ever again, but when pregnancy does develop problems, I am grateful to be there for that mother and connect her to the resources Good Sam affords.

I've seen moms do amazing things once they've learned that their baby needs something. For instance, giving up ice cream and all sweets once they learn they have gestational diabetes – if you've been pregnant, you know what a feat this is! I've seen a mom who was living in a tent with her partner reconnect with her estranged mother to provide care for her new baby. There was one mother who couldn't seem to gain weight. Eventually, she told me that she simply doesn't have enough to eat and that any food the family gets goes to her children. This mother, who didn't speak English, had suddenly become a solo parent when her partner was deported. She had no idea how she would support her growing family. When the Good Sam Farm team was notified, they had a bag of fresh produce and other donations every time this patient came to visit, whether or not she had an appointment. When this same mother couldn't produce enough milk to breastfeed, we were able to start the medication to increase her supply, and the baby thrived. I've heard many stories from my midwife friends of new moms showing up at the hospital in the middle of labor, having had no prenatal care. The problems that could have been prevented are numerous, such as poor prenatal nutrition, rapid drops in the baby's blood glucose due to untreated, gestational diabetes, birth defects from simply not using a prenatal vitamin, or unsafe domestic/living situations because a patient doesn't know her resources. It hurts to know that so many pregnant women forego prenatal care because of price, fear of documentation status, fear of judgment, or simply not being able to make prenatal visits. Good Sam tries to remove these barriers and welcome expectant mothers in need with open arms. There's even a free uber health service to get mom to her appointments if she doesn't have access to transportation.

It has been a tremendous gift to be part of Good Sam's prenatal program, where uninsured, under-insured, and underserved women can access prenatal care. Everyone on the team does their best to create the healthiest pregnancies, mothers, babies, and postpartum periods as possible. It's not a perfect program; we need increased financial support, ultrasound access, and a social worker to better address the complex needs of our patients. There's always room to grow, and I pray that we can continue to do just that.

Catherine Stump FNP-BC
Family Nurse Practitioner
Good Samaritan Health Center

To help our program grow, follow the link to donate to Good Sam's prenatal program today!

An at-home garden has many benefits: plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, health benefits, not to mention instant access to fresh produce. It's always exciting to see a fruit or vegetable you grew yourself end up on your kitchen table. Growing your food gives you a unique perspective of nature that you wouldn't have otherwise.

If you are nervous about being a first-time grower, remember that every farmer or grower has to start somewhere! If you are a seasoned grower, there is no time like the present to try something new! Whether you have a yard, balcony, or a small green space, there is always something you can grow. Not sure where to start? Check out these recommendations from our farmers here at Good Sam!

Growing Space

• Look for the sun. Most plants prefer 6-8 hours of light. However, if this isn't realistic for your plants, we suggest growing vegetables that need more shade, such as greens.
• Build a raised bed. Use clean soil, landscape fabric, and strong wood like cedar, or cinder blocks, to create your border. Avoid pressure-treated lumber to eliminate concerns of contamination. If you're planting directly into your yard rather than a raised bed, we suggest conducting a soil test which you can do yourself with the help of information from the UGA extension agency.
• Try a container garden. Many of your favorite veggies can grow happily in pots given the right size and support. Terracotta pots or anything that's well-draining is the way to go. Avoid the plastic pots that come from a garden center. They tend to drain quickly, causing your soil to dry out.

What to Grow

Summer is a great time to start a garden! Get familiar with crops that grow well this time of year and in your area. Determine which agricultural zone you are located in to determine which plants to grow. If you're in the Atlanta area, you will be either 8a or 7b. Crops like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant are great options to begin with and will grow well in either container or the ground. There's also a fantastic app called "Seed to Spoon" which shows growing guides, what to plant during what time of the year, the health benefits of eating those crops, and even what kinds of pests to look out for in your plants and how to treat it.

How to Grow:

• Get planting! If you are starting plants from seed, pay close attention to the directions on the seed packet. If you are planting transplants bought from a garden center or local grower, look up each plant's spacing and planting directions.
• Cover the soil. Using a mulch such as leaves or wood chips will help keep your plants cool in the heat because it allows water to stay retained in the soil.
• Keep your watering consistent and avoid overwatering, which can create root rot. However, in the summer, you will have to water your garden more to account for the heat. A simple tip for determining the watering needs for in-ground plants is to put your finger into the soil about to your knuckle. If it's dry, it's time for some watering. It's better to underwater than overwater your plants. You can always add more. Water in the morning or the evening to help the plants retain the most water. For more tips and tricks check out Gardening Know How for helpful articles. 

If you keep up with these key gardening elements, you will soon be enjoying your first harvest! You are also welcome to stop by The Farm at Good Sam and chat with us about what we do to keep our crops happy and healthy this time of year.

Nobie Muhl and Alexis Haggerty 
Farm Manager and Assistant Farm Manager
Good Samaritan Health Center

Looking to contribute to our farm? Please contact Bianca Long at [email protected] for volunteer opportunities or make a donation here.

While the summer can be a time of recharge, reconnection, and relaxation for some, for others, the summer months can be quite the opposite.  Longer days, increased humidity and heat, as well as body image issues, can all trigger poor health and feelings of anxiety and depression, even when the expectation is to be carefree.  Although summer can bring about new experiences, it is important to use this time to take care of both your physical and mental health.

Looking to avoid that summertime funk?  Check out these 9 tips below!

1. Stay physically active. There’s nothing wrong with occasionally binge-watching your favorite television series, but it’s also imperative that you participate in physical activity as well. Whether it’s going to the gym or taking a walk outside, be sure to get 20-30 minutes a day of exercise.
2. Drink plenty of water. Water significantly affects energy levels and how your brain functions.
3. Write down everything that has you feeling stressed or uneasy. You’d be surprised that writing down your worries is not only therapeutic, but it gives you a chance to visualize and set goals accordingly.
4. Make a summer music playlist. Not only does music have the power to both calm and excite you, but it has also been proven effective for stress management and relaxation. There’s nothing better than driving with the windows down and listening to your favorite song!
5. Try something new. There’s no time like the present! Now is the perfect time to get out of your comfort zone and learn a new skill or pick up a new hobby.
6. Reconnect with others. Whether it’s catching up with an old friend over lunch or spending the day at the park, spend time with the ones you love.
7. Maintain a healthy sleep schedule. While it seems easier to go into hibernation mode during the winter months, sleep is just as important during the summertime. Be sure you are getting your proper rest and avoid staying up late. It is recommended that we get 8-10 hours of uninterrupted sleep.
8. Take time for prayer, reflection, or meditation. You’d be surprised at how powerful spending 10 minutes in reflection is!
9. Make time for the things you love to do. Whether it’s painting, cooking, riding a bike, or even volunteering be sure to incorporate a least one activity that makes you smile.  

Looking to get involved in the community? You can give or volunteer at Good Sam! Contact Bianca Long at [email protected] for more information.

As I began my senior year of college, I remember feeling lost and overwhelmed as I needed direction on how to pursue a career in medicine amid a global pandemic. I heard through the grapevine that a friend of mine had been accepted into a Physician Assistant program, so I decided to give her a call hoping she could offer me some much-needed advice. She told me about an internship she had at a clinic down the road from our school. This was the first time I heard the name “Good Sam.” At the time, I only considered it something to look into, but I now recognize it as one of my greatest gifts from God.

COVID-19 allowed me to serve my local community in a way I could have never imagined. I first joined Good Sam’s Helpline SOS team to help others defend themselves and their families from the virus, but after witnessing the dedicated compassion of the team, I deeply desired to do more for Good Sam. I was then given the opportunity to get involved in their medical internship program, where I began to foster relationships with the staff. Specifically, Good Sam’s Medical Service Coordinator, Treanda "Tre" Smith. She has played a crucial role in not only my medical training, but she has become one of my dearest friends. She embodies the mission of Good Sam: spreading Christ’s love through quality healthcare to those in need. She loves every patient that steps through our door with her infectious personality. Tre, along with all my other coworkers, have shown me what high-quality, holistic medical care looks like. Now working there full-time as a medical assistant, I have engaged with families from all walks of life, including a portion of Atlanta’s homeless population, who have forever changed my outlook on healthcare.

Graham Bryant (left) and Treanda Smith (right)

In my nearly one year of employment at the Center, I have learned so much about the hardships many of our patients face in acquiring their human right to quality healthcare. For example, the challenges of a language barrier hit me like a freight train. Before working at Good Sam, I had never realized the hindrance it can cause for individuals seeking specialist care. To combat this at Good Sam, we personally communicate with the specialty care clinics to schedule our patients’ appointments and confirm a translator will be available for them. Another obstacle for our patients is navigating financial assistance programs. My coworkers and I break down the complicated applications with our patients to ensure they have what they need to provide as documentation. Finally, I am beyond grateful for our case managers, Monica and Erika, who work tirelessly to assist patients with specific needs such as stable housing or applying for government assistance. Compassionate acts of this caliber are why I love working at Good Sam. We are a family that is dedicated to serving our patients to the best of our ability, and we all bring unique gifts to the table to provide them with the medical care they deserve.

My journey thus far has allowed me to cultivate relationships with people that are passionate about making a change in their community. I have the privilege of working among some of the most fearless leaders at Good Sam, who have instilled in me the desire to fight for the underserved. My experience at Good Sam has provided me with a solid foundation for my education in the medical field and has shed light on communities suffering from a lack of healthcare. Good Sam continues to prepare me to serve marginalized groups in an effort to bridge the health disparity gap, and I promise to dedicate my future career to providing quality healthcare to those that need it most.

Graham Bryant
Medical Assistant  
Good Samaritan Health Center

An event nearly two years in the making, the Grand Opening of the Market Pavilion and Wellness Center was one for the books! This past Saturday, we officially opened these two new spaces with one goal in mind: to better serve our patient population and to remind our community that we are not only there for them in service but there for them in friendship. The day’s festivities included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, COVID vaccinations, memory screens, interactive experiences, food, and fun!

As the day began, community members were greeted by our staff and volunteer with a smile and information on all things Good Sam.  Upon arrival, participants were able to venture outside of the Center, where they received general information about our Guest Services, dental hygiene, as well as information on COVID-19 vaccines and memory screens.

Our newly expanded market was also a huge staple of the day as community members were able to shop for Certified Naturally Grown produce from our 1-acre urban farm.

“In the Good Samaritan Health Center’s endeavor to address the social determinants of health, we created The Full Circle of Health model. A key component of The Circle is healthy nutrition which is where our Market comes in. Local growers will be able to set up their fresh produce daily for sale to our neighbors. In so doing, our neighbors will have a large variety of accessible, inexpensive food. Think of food going directly from your own backyard, right to your table for consumption. It can’t be any fresher!” says Dr. Bill Warren, Founder, CEO & Pediatrician.

(left to right): Audrey Clark – Good Samaritan Market Manager, Brittney Greenwood - YMCA Regional wellness Director, Heather Kersey – Good Samaritan Chief Development Officer, Councilman Byron Amos, Dr. Bill Warren - Founder of Good Samaritan & Pediatrician, Peyton McWhirter - Good Samaritan Board Chair, Lauren Koontz - President & CEO of YMCA Metro Atlanta, Bianca Long - Good Samaritan Development Coordinator

During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Dr. Bill reminded us that both spaces represent a commitment to health, and it is a part of our mission to use these spaces to provide quality healthcare to those in need. He also went on to thank donors, volunteers, and participants and expressed that the new spaces would not have been possible without community support.  The ceremony also included remarks from Lauren Koontz, the President & CEO, YMCA of Metro Atlanta, and Brittney Greenwood, Regional Wellness Director, YMCA, and Audrey Clark, Good Sam’s Market Manager, all expressing their gratitude and excitement for what’s to come in these new spaces.

After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the interactive tours began with our staff and volunteers leading the way to share Good Sam’s origin, amenities, and services. Not only was it a chance to learn a little history about Good Sam, but it was a chance to see first-hand how the Market Pavilion, Y at Good Sam, The Farm, and The Center all operate.

Overall, the Grand Opening was a huge success, and we want to extend a special thank you to all those who were a part of the special day, including donors, residents, community members, and volunteers. We cannot wait to see how these two new spaces are put to use to help better serve our community.

Be sure to check our social media for the next big event. See you soon!

2021 was a traumatic year for my family when both my grandparents suddenly became ill. Fortunately, my grandmother has been a patient of the Good Samaritan Health Center since 2016, so in February when my aunt called me with the concern that my grandmother’s feet had swollen up tremendously, I scheduled her the first appointment I could find. Checking her in, she looked well; she looked like my sweet loving grandma, so I was not very worried about her visit with the provider. I had just transitioned to the Guest Services team and continued to work my second Saturday as a Guest Services Associate, trying not to dwell on my Grandmother’s visit.

At the end of the workday, I went to my car and waited for my grandma to finish her appointment. I called my aunt, who brought her to her appointment, and she answered the phone crying. She said my grandma was not well. I ran back inside Good Sam where Breanna and her medical assistant were reopening the doors that I had just closed for the day. Breanna knew I was new to the guest services team so she said “Hi Jimmy, we are done for the day, you are free to go home. We are just opening the doors for a patient that needs to go to the hospital.” I responded back, “I believe that is for my grandma.”

I ran back to my grandma’s room where her medical provider, Kelly, was about to close the door when I said, “That’s my grandmother in there”. Kelly’s face quickly changed learning that her patient was my grandma. I saw my Abuela, and she looked nervous and scared, and my aunt was trying her best to hold back her tears. Kelly informed us that my grandma was at high risk for a stroke and needed to go to the hospital. My grandma was terrified of going to the hospital. She believed she would not come out alive because she had heard stories of different friends and family members tragically passing away at the hospital. Kelly prayed over and with my grandma. She prayed that my grandma would seek emergency care, and not head home instead. Kelly’s life-saving prayer and attention convinced my grandma to seek emergency treatment where she received a pacemaker and is feeling much better thanks to the level of attention and care she was provided at Good Sam.

A few months passed by, and the Delta variant was spreading like a deadly wildfire. My grandpa got sick with the variant and unfortunately passed away from COVID in August of 2021 in Mexico. I wish he could have traveled during the pandemic to Atlanta because I am confident that Good Sam would have had him in good health to face the pandemic, and treat him once he contracted COVID.

This was a big blow to my entire family and although I wish he could have been cared for by Good Sam. I understand now that my grandpa worked his entire life, and God wanted him, in His holy glory, to rest eternally. I know one thing for sure is that my Abuela would not be here if it was not for the Good Samaritan Health Center and our Christ-loving employees who helped her in time.

Patients come to my window all day, and my daily mission is to give back that same compassion and love my Abuela was given. Whenever I face patients who want to be treated, tested, and protected from COVID, I pray and help as if they were my own family. Whenever a patient is requesting an appointment, I seek to give them the first available one, just as my Abuela was given. Whenever I am at Good Sam I look to love patients with all my heart, all my being, all my strength, and all my mind, as if it were myself. I am proud to work for the Good Samaritan Health Center because I see our care transform lives every day.

Jimmy Padilla
Guest Services Associate 
Good Samaritan Health Center

My journey to Good Sam begins almost exactly 10 years ago in Columbus, Georgia. I was working as a high school science teacher and feeling a deep calling toward the medical field and serving my neighbors through healthcare access. At the time, it made the most sense to pursue medical school. I had completed the admission prerequisites and my basic science knowledge was fresh from my years of teaching. As I let the school system know I would not be renewing my contract and explained the desires of my heart to disappointed administrators, parents, and students, a thoughtful family shared with me that there just happened to be a new ministry opening in downtown Columbus with a mission of “proclaiming Jesus Christ as Lord and demonstrating His love through quality, affordable healthcare for those in need.” Perhaps I could volunteer with them and gain firsthand healthcare experience while I went through the year long medical school application process…

Two weeks later, I began volunteering full-time at MercyMed of Columbus. And in that one decision, the trajectory of my life changed forever.

I loved everything about working in the clinic. Because we were a skeleton staff addressing a massive need in our city, I was able to serve in every capacity within the organization. I worked the front desk. I scheduled appointments. I scanned in lab results to our EMR. I badgered specialists in the area to see our patient referrals. I applied for prescription assistance to get our patients yearly supplies of the expensive medications they needed. I drained wounds and injected knees. I fell in love with the people we were serving and learned more every day about the social determinants of health that made ministries like this necessary.

Fast forward a few months and I really needed to earn some income! The clinic only had three paid staff at that time and I knew there was not a paying role for me there, but I was committed to continuing to volunteer anyway. I was looking for a part-time job when the founder of MercyMed, Dr. Grant Scarborough, said they really wanted to find something within the clinic that I could do, but the only salary line they could justify at that time was for a development person. “Sure!” I said, “Also, what is a development person?” Dr. Scarborough explained all the ins and outs of how nonprofit organizations survive on various streams of philanthropy and that the role of development is to spread the word, far and wide, of the good work happening within the organization so that donors, volunteers, businesses, churches, and government entities are impassioned to join us! Are you kidding me? I could get paid for doing that!? Dr. Scarborough began to set up meetings for me to meet and learn from leaders within local family foundations, corporate giving arms of area businesses, and local government representatives.

Then he said “And what you really need to do is go up to Atlanta and visit The Good Samaritan Health Center. Learn about everything they do and bring those skills back here.”

So I did. Good Sam had just moved into their new space on the Westside of Atlanta. The farm land had been cleared, the building smelled and looked brand new. I was in awe of everything I saw. I sat in on a diabetes education class. I met with the development team and received advice and copies of their collateral to take back to Columbus with me. Seeing what MercyMed could grow into with the right leadership, the right plan, and the right resources invigorated me even more for the work of development. I vowed right then and there that I would do everything in my power to make MercyMed the “Good Sam of Columbus”.

I settled into my role quickly. Looking back, I realize I also settled into my calling. Time marched on. I was waitlisted for medical school. And I was very at peace with that. I had found how I was meant to serve people in need through healthcare. Isn’t it just like God to take our dreams and bring them about in a way that we never would have imagined? My husband graduated from architecture school and we were moving “home” to Atlanta. I was heartbroken to leave MercyMed. Of course, Good Sam wasn’t hiring at the time. What was I going to do with this skillset and this calling?

I spent the next five years working in Advancement for Emory University. I gained skills and education in every area of development work, from marketing to event planning to major donor relationship building. I learned more about healthcare and public health, as I raised funds for the School of Medicine and the incredible research happening there. I became a mom. And every day I drove from my home on the Westside to Emory, down Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway, past Good Samaritan Health Center, and asked the Lord for another opportunity to do what I loved most.

And then in April 2021, I got a voicemail that would once again change my life and remind me that God is mysterious and good and always working. Dr. Bill Warren called me and said, “I can’t tell you how I know or what I know, but if you’re interested in making a change and joining us at Good Sam, I would really like to talk to you.”

And here I am. Serving as the Chief Development Officer for the last year has been a literal dream come true. Leading our development efforts and guiding this team to even greater work in the community has been fulfilling in ways I never thought possible. I’m so grateful for the adventure the Lord led me on over the last decade that brought me here. I laughed to myself as I reviewed the marketing collateral for the Center in my early days here. The Full Circle of Health is a commitment Good Sam made to this community from its founding. There is an understanding that it’s all connected and important in the quality of life of our patients. My full circle story with Good Sam shows me the same thing. There were certainly times that I felt lost, like I had missed a turn or an opportunity. However, as I look back I see the intentionality in every season, the lessons I needed to learn to prepare me for this time.

Heather Kersey
Chief Development Officer
Good Samaritan Health Center

I remember when the fear and uncertainty of COVID-19 first struck in March 2020. I would come to work and go home with a sense of hopelessness and defeat because, at the time, I was uncertain what I could contribute to make things better for my family, community, and Good Sam. It bothered me because even though I was on the frontline, I felt that I should have been doing more to help fight this COVID battle. Honestly, I didn’t know what that looked like for me, so I prayed about it and asked God to show me, and waited for him to do so.

When news of the COVID-19 vaccine first came out, my initial thought was, “How did they develop this so fast?” I had so many questions, but like others, I was reluctant to ask. I was convinced that my family was not getting the vaccine. I can recall being in a setting where people would talk about it, and I would become quiet and timid. I didn’t want to deal with the judgment about not wanting to get the vaccine, and I didn’t want to be convinced to get it either. I remember getting an email from our COO, Breanna Lathrop, about Good Sam applying to become a Pandemic Vaccine Provider. Even throughout the application process and completing the required training, my mind was still made up. Of course, we were approved.

January 11, 2021:
The day Good Sam received our first shipment of 
COVID-19 vaccines, 100 doses of Moderna.

I remember the rush of excitement I felt opening that box. I also recall feeling convicted because I was preparing to give patients a vaccination that I was not sure I believed in. I went home and prayed. The next day Breanna announced a staff training designed to help us educate and answer patient questions about the COVID-19 vaccine. After that session, I felt relieved.  I felt a sense of clarity and was much more knowledgeable about the vaccine.

January 13, 2021:
Good Sam administers the first round of COVID-19 vaccines.

We vaccinated a total of 40 staff and volunteers. I remember going into my office for lunch and praying for God for direction and peace. That day, I received my 1^st dose. I felt a sense of peace. The next day we vaccinated 20 additional staff members and volunteers. I knew that I had done the right thing. I couldn’t let my guard down all the way, but I could breathe a little easier. As I reflected over the months between March 2020 and January 2021, how much anxiety, fear, and uncertainty COVID had caused in my life, I realized that this was the one thing that I could do to protect my family. This drove my compassion toward myself and in educating other hesitant people about the vaccination.

Throughout the last 13 months, I have been able to share my story with many people from diverse backgrounds and educate them on the vaccine. I have been vulnerable with patients and community members and, in doing so, allowed them to feel that their own emotions are valid. Compared to when this pandemic first started, I now know exactly what my part is in this fight. Being a part of the COVID vaccination clinics during the week and pop-up clinics in the community over the last year has been an absolute honor and pleasure.

Ericka Stanley, MHA
Wellness Director
Good Samaritan Health Center

I saw a patient recently who has been coming to the clinic for the past four years. He is in his early twenties and has been in and out of shelters most of the time we have known him. He came in without an appointment, as he usually does, and sat in our lobby for the morning. He charged his phone and talked with team members as they went about their work. They greeted him by name, and someone found him a snack. The medical assistants showed him to an empty exam room where he could rest while he waited for me. When I got to his room after seeing a morning of scheduled patients, we talked for a bit about what he had been doing over the last few weeks and where he would be sleeping this week. After talking for a while, he told me he didn’t really need anything from me. He came because he missed us and really likes it here at the clinic. He told me he feels loved. He feels loved because he is seen and known by our team, who show him compassion each time he walks into the clinic.

2021 was another heavy year for our patients, who already disproportionately experience stress and trauma. They experienced deaths of loved ones, illness and hospitalizations, and the long-lasting impact of COVID-19. Our patients also dealt with greater financial insecurity, employment changes, housing changes, closing bus routes, and social isolation. Now, when patients come to the clinic, we aren’t just treating diabetes or an abscessed tooth, but the pain of this past year. Our staff has also experienced the stress of managing life and work in a pandemic. From exposures and quarantine to childcare and school changes to the loss and illness of family members, the clinic has become a place of both shared suffering and needed encouragement between staff and patients.

We often think of Good Sam's mission as showing compassion to our patients;
but throughout this second year of the pandemic, 
we have also been on the receiving end of compassion.

I feel it when I botch a sentence in Spanish, and my patient gently offers a better way to express what I was hoping to convey. I experience compassion when I am behind on calling a patient with their lab results, but they answer the phone and immediately ask if we are all doing okay. I have lost count of the number of patients who have told me they are praying for the safety and health of our team. Our patients bring treats to their office visits; one even brought breakfast for the entire team. Once, a patient brought me a home-cooked dinner to her early morning appointment. She woke up at 4:00 a.m. just so I didn’t have to cook that night when I got home. In spite of the burdens they carry, our patients continue to see us and love on us.

The encouragement from our patients, the support of our donors and volunteers, and our deep commitment to this mission allowed us to continue to meet the challenges of the pandemic head-on in 2021. A team of over 60 volunteers and staff members responded to over 16,500 calls on our COVID-19 Helpline. Since administering our first COVID-19 vaccine on January 13, 2021, we have administered 4,403 vaccines and offered over a dozen community pop-up vaccine clinics and education events. In partnership with CVS, we have offered COVID-19 testing to community members of all ages. There was not a single clinic day in 2021 that a patient with acute COVID-19 symptoms was not able to receive care from a Good Sam provider. We did this because it is what our patients and our community deserve. And we enter 2022 ready to do the same.

Breanna Lathrop, DNP, MPH, FNP-BC
Chief Operations Officer
Good Samaritan Health Center

Starting a new job feels like you’re a new character on the ninth season of a TV show:  you just feel out of place and it seems like no one really knows what you’re doing there.  It brings on new anxieties, challenges, and frustrations. New jobs can cause you to question everything, including God. “Is this where I’m supposed to be?” “What if I don’t fit in?”  “Am I even qualified to do this job?” “Did God make some kind of mistake by placing me here?”  When I first began my journey at Good Sam, all of these questions and fears came rushing into my head.

Before coming to Good Sam, I was working as a Communications Coordinator in Corporate America and like many others around the world, I had completely onboarded remotely. Working from home was extremely difficult for me. Questions that I would normally be able to ask my desk mate, had we been in the office, often went unanswered leaving me confused and frustrated. I found myself struggling to maintain work/life boundaries and felt completely isolated as I sat at my desk in the corner of my room. Knowing I needed to make a change, I applied to Good Sam.

I started a little over a month ago as Good Sam’s newest Development Coordinator and I could not be happier with my time here so far. Since graduating from college, I have struggled to find a job where I can grow both personally and professionally.  Now, I truly believe that I have found a place where not only will I grow in those areas, but I have found a place that I can call home.

Now that I am at Good Sam, my fears have started to subside. I am surrounded by amazing, God-fearing people that are invested in my success just as much as our patients.  Being in a Christian-based environment is the biggest blessing I never knew I needed. From the daily morning devotions to seeing how my coworkers care for our patients as well as each other, I am truly inspired and blessed to be around people that motivate me to walk into my purpose.

They say that luck is when an opportunity comes along and you’re prepared for it. And as much as I’d love to tell you all how incredibly lucky I am to be at Good Sam, I can’t. I can’t chalk this incredible place up to luck; I can’t give luck that much credit. Me being at Good Sam has nothing to do with luck and everything to do with God. As I reflect on the things throughout my life that I am most grateful for, I realize that it’s never been provision luck, it’s always God. There’s no amount of luck in the world that’s strong enough to put me in a place as incredible as Good Sam. It has to be God.

Although I’m still finding my bearings, I have no doubt that Good Sam is exactly where I’m supposed to be, and it is not lost on me how blessed I am to be here. My first 30 days have been absolutely wonderful and I am looking forward to how the rest of my future unfolds here.

Bianca Long
Development Coordinator 
Good Samaritan Health Center

As a general dentist, it is my understanding that my primary job is to prevent oral disease.

The idea that I can make a difference in this community by helping my patients prevent getting cavities and losing their teeth is very rewarding and is one of the main attractions of dentistry for me. Unfortunately, after nearly 15 years of practice, I have found that this has become a secondary priority. And this seems to be true in all communities, not just the underserved populations I see in my chair. My job has become one of "the chasers," an investigator if you will. I am always searching for the cause. Dentistry is truly the "Who did It?" of health professions. Many people come to the dentist only when there is a problem; something is broken, something hurts, or they don't like something about their teeth. The answer is rarely satisfying; the search even less.

Many dentists take the drill/fill approach or, in recent times, the "hide and don't seek" approach. Cosmetic dentistry is all the rage now. Everyone wants "perfect teeth." So, people ask for crowns or veneers. While this is undoubtedly financially rewarding for dentists, I would ask, is it fulfilling our purpose?

As a health care professional, someone who is more than just a dentist, I value treating my patients as a whole. Educating my patients on how oral health is not just about brushing your teeth but also about their overall health.

The link between periodontal disease (gum disease) and heart disease is real. Studies have shown that people with gum disease have two to three times the risk of a heart attack, stroke, or other serious cardiovascular events due to systemic inflammation and the body's immune response. There is also a connection for expectant mothers, as gum disease is linked to preterm labor and low birth weights. The list goes on. See other connections below:

This path to health looks something like this:

• Routine Checkups; Oral exams (every 6 months)
• Dental Teeth Cleanings (every 3, 4, or 6 months)
• Routine Dental X-rays

Reiteration of technique and education happens at all of these visits. These things include:

• Brushing (at least) 2x daily; after every meal is encouraged
• Flossing Daily
• Drinking lots of water
• Limiting Sugar intake (especially snacking)
• Avoid Acidic Foods and Beverages (limiting soda)
• Using caution with hard foods (Not eating ice, hard candies)
• Adding Mouthwash to decrease bacterial loads and help prevent cavities.
• Using other materials, such as additional Fluoride or Mouth Guards, as directed.

This path obviously takes time. It also requires significant resources. I hope that as dentists and healthcare professionals, we can be both ambassadors of dental education and prevention and artists of the mouth and not compromise one for the other. I am really excited to be serving as the new Dental Services Director at Good Sam. I appreciate the Full Circle of Health model that has existed here since the beginning of the Center, a model that has taught that oral health is health. And I am grateful for the generous supporters of our work, who allow us to prioritize good oral health for our deserving patients.

Dr. Kahina King, DMD MS
Dental Services Director 
Good Samaritan Health Center

Citations:
Www.health.harvard.edu
Www.ahajournals.org

Association between periodontal pathogens and systemic disease, Fiona Q. Bui, Cassio Luis Coutinho Almeida-da-Silva etc.  www.sciencedirect.com Biomedical Journal Volume 42, Issue 1

I believe that certain people and opportunities come into our lives for a reason. Adam Young describes this perfectly in his podcast The Place We Find Ourselves. Picture your life like an epic story with many different settings, chapters, and characters, each one more interesting than the next. What are the chapters that define the person that you are today? Who are the characters in your life that made an impact on you? What will the following chapters consist of to shape you into the person you want to be?

My name is Ashlynn Landry, and I am Good Sam's newest Marketing and Communications Coordinator. I am over the moon and so honored to be a helping hand in this incredible organization, but with that excitement comes anxiety, and pressure I put on myself to not let people down. My first 30 days at Good Sam was a whirlwind of emotions and I’ll tell you why.

We are our own worst critics. 

As little kids, we're often asked, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" Fast forward to high school, and the question becomes, "What are your plans after graduation?" If we attend college, it then turns into "What are you majoring in?" followed by "What are you planning on doing with your major?" These questions come up flippantly, sometimes to fill an awkward silence with small talk around the dinner table and sometimes with serious concern behind them. I always admired those who had a plan for their lives, but these questions were a point of internal stress and anxiety because the only thing I was ever sure of was that I wanted to be a part of something greater than myself. Unaware of how I would make this happen, I was introduced to Good Sam through a close family friend who encouraged me to apply for a job within the organization.

I poured my heart and soul into the interview process, and when I got offered the Marketing and Communications Coordinator role for a Christian-based nonprofit, it felt like a dream I didn't want to wake up from. I felt like I had created a perfect bubble around myself to hide all my flaws and insecurities to be the ideal candidate, but I didn't think that I would live up to the expectations. This is how my irrational, anxious brain talks to itself after a victory—immediately downplaying the determination and hard work it took to achieve that goal. Rationally, I see the value that I bring to the table and would never talk about a friend the way I talk about myself. My brain likes to play these fun little games that make me overthink and doubt every ounce of myself. I know that I was chosen to be a part of furthering the mission of Good Sam for a reason. I know that I am more than deserving and capable of flourishing (in time) within this position and during this next chapter of my epic story. I am working on believing it.

"We're never going to be perfect alone, but we can be perfect together."

At Good Sam, I am surrounded by a team of incredible God-fearing people who not only help me navigate the learning curve that comes with starting a new job right out of college, but encourage me, believe in me 110%, and guide me in my faith.

In my first 30 days at Good Sam, I believe this to be true not only for myself but for every person that walks through the doors. Good Sam is a safe haven, a place of comfort, a place of restoration and healing, a place for personal and professional growth and encouragement, a place where your cup is always full, and most importantly, a place held preciously by the hands of our Lord. It feels like home, and the people who make it up feel like family. That is what Good Sam has been for me the past 30 days.

Ashlynn Landry
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Good Samaritan Health Center

Next year marks Good Samaritan Health Center's 25th anniversary, and we could not be more excited to celebrate and reflect on how much we’ve grown while staying focused on what lies ahead. Not only are we dedicated to spreading Christ’s love through quality healthcare to those in need, but we also feel compelled to share what has made Good Sam unique for more than two decades.

The goal for Life at Good Sam is to bring you all along on our journey as we share what moves us by compassion. Whether through staff testimonials, updates from our departments, patient success stories, and lessons learned from hardships—we want YOU to be a part of the Christ-centered work happening at Good Sam through these firsthand accounts.

Our Covid-19 blog will remain active with ongoing updates as we continue to navigate alongside COVID-19. You can find updates and vaccination and booster information under its new home, “Covid-19 Resources,” in the header of our website.

What to Expect

This past year was filled with many new faces within Good Sam, across all departments. We will be introducing these talented and driven new friends over the next couple of months, starting with our Development and Marketing team. Heather Kersey is Good Sam’s newest Chief Development Officer who brings a wealth of nonprofit experience and a love for Good Sam that is infectious. Working alongside her is Development Coordinator Bianca Long and Marketing and Communications Coordinator Ashlynn Landry. As we begin to implement new development and marketing strategies over the next year, we hope to continue inspiring the Atlanta community (and beyond) to join us in providing quality healthcare to those in need.

If you're excited to join us on this journey then be sure to subscribe to our Life at Good Sam newsletter, so you never miss a beat on all things, Good Sam! If you haven't already, be sure to follow us on all our social media platforms for regular updates, as we will be posting a new blog twice a month!

For now, we leave you with this:

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” – Galatians 5:1