Ground Broken on Free Medical Clinic in Macon’s Unionville Neighborhood

MACON, Ga. — Local leaders and community partners gathered March 20 to celebrate the groundbreaking of a new free medical clinic aimed at expanding healthcare access in the Unionville neighborhood.

Keryx Ministries, in partnership with Macon-Bibb County, is developing the Keryx Unionville Free Clinic at 871 Pansy Avenue. The project has been in development for more than two decades.

“This is about people in Macon-Bibb County coming together and saying, ‘we are united to make sure we give everyone a chance to succeed,’” Mayor Lester Miller said. “What better place to do that than right here in Unionville.”

The clinic will provide basic health services, including screenings, routine checkups, seasonal immunizations, and other preventative care.

The idea for the clinic dates back to 2002, when the Peyton Anderson Foundation helped spark early discussions. Dr. Henry Ficklin said momentum grew when Mercer University medical students later proposed establishing a free clinic in an underserved area.

Through Mercer University’s Distinction in Service to the Community (DISC) program, School of Medicine students will work alongside clinic physicians, helping deliver care while gaining hands-on experience. Students are also expected to support initiatives such as food access programs and health education efforts.

“Mercer wants to be part of the glue that brings all of us together and makes things better,” said Hugh Sosebee, Senior Vice President for External Relations at Mercer University.

Funding for the project includes $763,550 from Macon-Bibb County through the American Rescue Plan Act, along with $400,000 in Congressional Direct Funding secured through U.S. Representative Sanford D. Bishop Jr.

“Projects like this often have too many costs for a city or community to take on alone, but we know the return on investment will be great,” Bishop said.

Keryx Ministries, a faith-based nonprofit that has served the Unionville community since 1998, will operate the clinic.

Construction is expected to be completed with the clinic opening to patients in March 2027.