Good Samaritan Health Centers of Gwinnett Celebrates 20 Years of Transforming Lives

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Two Decades of Compassionate Care and Community Impact

This year marks a significant milestone for Good Samaritan Health Centers of Gwinnett, which is celebrating 20 years of unwavering service to uninsured and underserved populations in Gwinnett County and beyond. Since its founding in 2005 as a part-time medical clinic, Good Samaritan Gwinnett has grown into a critical lifeline for those seeking affordable healthcare and dental services.

Over the past two decades, the organization has welcomed more than 58,437 patients, providing care in over 325,000 visits, reflecting the growing demand for accessible, community-based medical support.

“Good Samaritan Gwinnett in 20 years has worked really hard to help the community from having to go to the emergency room,” said Patty Thumann, Board Chair of Good Samaritan Gwinnett. “If you don’t have insurance and cannot find affordable healthcare or dental care, you can come to Good Samaritan Gwinnett and get that. People come from all over the state.”

To commemorate this milestone, Good Samaritan Gwinnett has released a 20th-anniversary video featuring reflections from board members, staff, and leadership, showcasing the organization’s enduring mission and impact.

A Legacy of Growth and Service

Expanding to Meet Community Needs

Good Samaritan Gwinnett has continually evolved to meet the needs of the growing population it serves. In 2009, the organization expanded to include dental services, and in 2015, tripled its facility size by opening a new location off Buford Highway. Just four years later, in 2019, it added the East Clinic near Jimmy Carter Blvd. and Rockbridge Rd.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization launched the Screening and Prevention Annex (SPA) in 2021 at the Buford Highway location. The East Clinic followed with its own SPA in March 2025, dedicated to the care and containment of communicable diseases.

Investing in the Future of Healthcare

Since 2012, Good Samaritan Gwinnett has mentored nearly 450 graduate students in medical and dental fields, helping shape the next generation of compassionate healthcare providers. In a bold step toward long-term impact, the organization launched Access Academy—a low-cost, certificate-granting postsecondary program, authorized by the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission (GNPEC). This initiative targets students from low-income and minority backgrounds, providing a pathway into the healthcare field.

A Vision for the Next 20 Years

The leadership of Good Samaritan Gwinnett remains committed to expanding its reach and deepening its impact.

“The fact that we have been here 20 years has shown that God has really had his hand on this ministry,” said Shameka Allen, CEO of Good Samaritan Gwinnett. “My hope for the next 20 years is that our footprint in the county can grow through training and development as well as healthcare through Access Academy.”

“I also think we’ll continue to be a beacon in the community,” added Dr. Greg Lang, Chief Financial Officer and Former Executive Director. “Good Samaritan Gwinnett is the busiest nonprofit health clinic and the largest nonprofit dental clinic in Gwinnett County. As the county continues to grow, more and more people will learn about us.”

About Good Samaritan Health Centers of Gwinnett

Good Samaritan Health Centers of Gwinnett is a nonprofit healthcare organization dedicated to providing quality, affordable primary care and dental services to uninsured and low-income individuals. The organization not only reduces reliance on emergency rooms for non-emergent care, but also acts as a training ground for future medical professionals, all while fostering healthier, more resilient communities.

For more information or to view the 20th-anniversary video, visit https://goodsamgwinnett.org.