ATLANTA, Ga., July 17, 2007 – St. Benedict’s Episcopal Church of New Vinings, Ga. has formed a community partnership with Good Samaritan Health Center of Cobb, a non-profit organization that provides healthcare to those in the community without health insurance or the means to afford needed care. Known as “Good Sam Cobb,” the faith-based center endeavors to treat the whole patient, providing medical, dental, health education, and select social services to its patients. The center’s functions are supported heavily by community volunteers.

“We face a major healthcare challenge in our country and in our community, so we’re pleased to support Good Samaritan Health Center of Cobb in their ambitious efforts to deliver healthcare to those who need it most,” commented the Rev. Lang Lowrey, Vicar of St. Benedict’s. “Good Sam Cobb is a shining example of putting Christ’s teachings into action, and we look forward to providing volunteers to support their activities, preparing care packages (known as healthcare kits) for new visitors, and offering pastoral care on a referral basis. We also will be looking for ways to leverage our new Vocational Ministry to identify healthcare professionals who are seeking a spiritually rewarding experience such as volunteering at Good Sam Cobb.” St. Benedict’s Vocational Ministry is an innovative program in partnership with search firm DHR International that provides complimentary career assessments along with spiritual counseling.

The mission of Good Samaritan Health Center of Cobb is “To spread the love of Christ by providing quality healthcare to those in need." Located in one of the county’s neediest areas near Dobbins Air Force Base in Marietta, the center opened in April 2006 and treated more than 4,000 patients in its first year of operation. It has one full-time doctor and a full-time nurse practitioner and a total of 12 paid staff, with health services augmented by visiting doctors who volunteer their time on a recurring basis. The center also has formed partnerships with specialists who see patients in their own offices at no charge. There additionally is an all-volunteer onsite dental practice. Less than 20% of Good Sam Cobb’s operating budget is covered by patient fees, with the balance provided by contributions from individuals, businesses, community groups, foundations, and churches. Its operation is modeled after the flagship Good Samaritan Health Center in downtown Atlanta founded by Dr. Bill Warren.

“We appreciate the opportunity to draw upon the resources of St. Benedict’s in the fulfillment of our mission,” said Dr. Larry Hornsby, Medical Director for Good Samaritan Health Center of Cobb. “They and our other partners in the community recognize that a lot of our fellow citizens are without health insurance. We simply couldn’t operate without all of the financial, in-kind, and volunteer support we receive from our neighbors. And we continue to look for ways to expand our services, including finding a much-needed dentist to help us meet the pressing dental needs of many of our patients.”

In addition to the new Good Sam Cobb liaison and the recently established Vocational Ministry, St. Benedict’s also is a community partner with MUST Ministries and has participated in several of that organization’s initiatives to provide assistance to persons and families in crisis. St. Benedict’s was founded by the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta and Bishop J. Neil Alexander as a vanguard of the church’s efforts to reach further and deeper into the communities served by the diocese.

About St. Benedict’s

The mission of St. Benedict's Episcopal Church of New Vinings, Ga. is to come together as a community to grow in faith and share Christ’s love with an ever-changing world. St. Benedict’s also is committed to partnering with service and support organizations in the area to improve the lives of area residents by providing both spiritual and physical assistance. St. Benedict’s is led by the Rev. Lang Lowery, formerly associate rector at St. Anne’s Atlanta. To learn more about St. Benedict’s, including how to join this exciting spiritual journey, visit them on the Web at MySaintB.org or call 678-279-4300.

About Good Samaritan Health Center of Cobb

Good Samaritan Health Center of Cobb (“Good Sam Cobb”) is a nonprofit, Christ-centered healthcare practice that provides a comprehensive range of services for Cobb County patients without health insurance or the means to afford care. Volunteers serve regularly as healthcare professionals and support staff, business and front-office assistants, interpreters, and other needed functions. The Practice Partner Research Network, a learning and research organization dedicated to improving health care, voted Good Sam Cobb a "Best Practice" for 2006. The organization’s 7,500 square-foot medical facility is located near the intersection of Roberta Drive and Austell Road in Marietta, Ga. Additional information, including how to access services and how to volunteer, can be found on the Web at goodsamcobb.org or by calling 770-419-3120.

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