Our History

Our History

1976 — The Beginning

Original Oglethorpe Building

MedLink’s story starts in Oglethorpe with one small clinic staffed by a secretary, a nurse practitioner, and LPNs. Founded through the Rural Health Initiative Program.

1979 — Federal Support

MedLink becomes a supported Section 330 Primary Health Care Center, expanding access to care across Northeast Georgia.

1980s — First Expansion

First Admin Office on Fourth Street

Bowman and Colbert centers open. Colbert becomes the administrative home base as MedLink begins to grow beyond its first location.

1997–2003 — Multi-Service Growth

Gainesville Open Sign
Rabun Building-2003

Hartwell, Royston, Gainesville, Winder, and Rabun join the network. New services launch, including pharmacy, diabetes care, and behavioral health.

2008 — Banks Opens

Oct 12-07 014
medlink banks now
The Banks facility opens with federal grant support. Later rebuilt in 2023, it reflects MedLink’s growing regional footprint.

2014–2016 — Specialized Care Expands

Habersham launches addiction recovery services. White County earns PCMH recognition. Winder Women’s Health opens with full women’s care.

 

2017 — New Admin Campus

Admin construction 2017
Construction begins on the new administrative building next to MedLink Colbert, marking major organizational growth.

2018–2021 — Rural Reach Widens

MedLink Danielsville
MedLink Suches
MedLink adds foot care, opens the Cleveland Behavioral Health Center, and expands into Suches and Danielsville.

2022–2024 — Care for All Ages

Winder Imaging
Coile
MedLink Hawks Health
School-based clinics open at Hawks, Coile, and H.T. Edwards. Imaging expands in Winder and Banks. In 2024, MedLink serves 69,031 patients across 248,139 visits.