SGMC Health announces the opening of a second urgent care in Valdosta, conveniently located at 520 Griffin Ave, adjacent to Partnership Health Center. The new SGMC Urgent Care center will begin seeing patients on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, offering convenient access to non-emergent walk-in care for patients of all ages.
Located in the Ralph Council Medical Building in South Lowndes County, the second urgent care will open every day from 9:00 AM to 7:45 PM and expand SGMC Health’s capacity to provide accessible and efficient healthcare services to the community.
“Our population continues to grow and so does utilization and demand for convenient access to urgent care services,” shared Elizabeth Flail, DO, Co-Director of Emergency and Urgent Care. “Offering more locations to meet this need greatly impacts the health and wellbeing of our area.”
SGMC Urgent Care provides an essential option for patients seeking non-emergency care outside regular primary care appointments. “Urgent Care is the middle ground between a primary care provider and the emergency room,” said Flail. “If you have a minor illness or injury that just can’t wait until a regular appointment, SGMC Urgent Care fills that gap.”
More than 30,000 patients utilized SGMC Urgent Care last year. Flail said, “Our healthcare providers and team members are passionate about providing a high-quality, convenient experience that patients can trust.” SGMC Health is accredited by the Urgent Care Association, which involves a rigorous evaluation of various aspects of urgent care delivery, including clinical practices, patient safety, and operational efficiency.
To help patients determine where to seek appropriate care, SGMC Health offers “Know, Then Go”, a website that provides clear guidance on when to seek care at a primary care provider, urgent care, or an emergency room. According to Flail, by understanding these differences, patients can save time, reduce costs, and most importantly, ensure they receive the right level of care for their needs.
Flail says that having a primary care provider that you see regularly is important and should serve as your first line of defense. “If you don’t have a primary care provider, the new year is a great time to establish that relationship and begin taking steps toward a healthier you.”
With 12 primary care offices, four emergency departments, and now two urgent care centers, SGMC Health offers a complete continuum of care to meet the growing healthcare needs of the region.
To learn more, call SGMC Urgent Care – Griffin Ave at 229-433-7340 or visit sgmc.org/knowthengo.