For years, many families in Union City and surrounding South Fulton communities have faced a difficult reality during medical emergencies: the nearest emergency room could be as much as 40 minutes away.
Now, that is changing.
Union City leaders joined officials from Grady Health System, healthcare professionals, and community stakeholders to officially break ground on a new freestanding emergency department that will dramatically expand access to emergency medical care across South Fulton.
Located at 5600 Campbellton Fairburn Road, the new 20,000-square-foot facility represents one of the most significant healthcare investments in the area’s recent history — and a transformational step forward for emergency response and public health access in Union City.
Designed to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the facility will provide emergency care for both adult and pediatric patients experiencing serious injuries and life-threatening conditions.
Plans for the new emergency department include:
- 16 emergency treatment bays
- Advanced imaging and laboratory services
- An on-site pharmacy
- Dedicated patient and staff support areas
- A dedicated ambulance entrance for EMS transport
- A helipad for emergency flight transfers to area hospitals
Unlike a traditional urgent care center, the facility will function as a fully operational emergency department capable of handling critical and complex medical emergencies close to home.
“This is about more than a building,” city leaders said during the groundbreaking ceremony. “It’s about access. It’s about equity. And it’s about making sure families can receive emergency care close to home when they need it most.”
The investment comes at a pivotal time for Union City and the greater South Fulton region, which continue to experience significant residential and economic growth. As the population expands, so does the demand for healthcare infrastructure, emergency services, and faster access to life-saving care.
John Haupert, president and CEO of Grady Health System, said the facility will help address a growing regional need. “As metro Atlanta’s population grows, so does the need for medical care, specifically emergency care in South Fulton,” Haupert said.
Mayor Vince Williams said the project reflects the city’s continued commitment to investing in public safety, healthcare access, and quality of life for residents.
“The Council and I have seen rapid growth in recent years, and this new emergency facility will ensure that families have access to life-saving care when they need it most,” Mayor Williams said.
When the facility opens in Fall 2026, thousands of residents across Union City and South Fulton will have emergency care significantly closer to home — reducing travel times during critical situations and strengthening healthcare access throughout the region.
City leaders say the project represents more than a healthcare investment. It reflects Union City’s broader vision of building a stronger, safer, and more connected community prepared for the future.
The new Grady emergency facility is currently under construction and is scheduled to open in Fall 2026.
