Community

Northside Executive Shares Plans for Growth

Published

2 years ago

April 12, 2023

Arlinda Smith Broady

Northside Hospital Gwinnett tower project (rendering)

Photos Courtesy of Bruce Johnson and Northside Hospital Gwinnett

Northside Duluth COO Jay Dennard encouraged residents to utilize new facilities, treatments offered.

Medical care in Gwinnett County has gone through many changes – especially in the last decade. It now offers new facilities and new options for different types of treatment.

Jay Dennard, chief operating officer for Northside Hospital Duluth campus, as well as the vice president of physician services for Northside Gwinnett and Duluth, shared information about the hospital systems growth at the Southwest Gwinnett Chamber’s March First Friday Breakfast.

Jay Dennard (center) at the recent Southwest Gwinnett Chamber presentation

Healthcare grows with the population

The origins of hospitals in Gwinnett County started with the tragic death of 6-year-old Olin Burnette in 1941. Access to major medical services was two hours away in Atlanta — it took that long to get there before the interstate was completed.

The tragedy convinced county leaders and generous donors that better healthcare options were needed closer to home. They came together and in 1944, the Joan Glancy Hospital — named in honor of a donor’s deceased child — opened on 24 acres in Duluth.

Since then, Gwinnett Medical Center, as it was later renamed, evolved to become one of the best hospitals in the area, said Dennard. It took about six years to bring the deal to fruition, but in August 2019, Gwinnett Medical Center merged with the Northside Hospital System.

“We had struggled out here because of the demographics change, and managed care was moving folks away from the hospital,” said Dennard. “When we announced that we needed a partner, which was not unusual for any hospital system, none of the managed care companies would renegotiate with us. So for four years, we never received any additional revenue off any billing that we had; however, costs continue to climb.”

The county grew and Northside realized it needed to have a presence here, Dennard added. The fact that Gwinnett County was able to obtain an open heart program in 2012 also made the merger more attractive.

“We were the only system in the country with a population of our size that did not have an open heart program,” said Dennard.

Northside Hospital was the first non-academic health system recognized in the Southeast by the National Cancer Institute, a center of excellence that made an appealing partner as well. With the deal, Northside Hospital made a commitment of investing $1.4 billion in the community.

“A lot of that is in bricks and mortar,” said Dennard. “But it’s also around expansion of key services with key staff.”

Northside Hospital is building more of the new tower at its Gwinnett campus in a move that will make the Lawrenceville site the largest campus in the Northside Hospital system in 2025. Officials from Northside recently announced that the Georgia Department of Community Health gave them permission to add seven more stories — for a total of 17 — onto the construction that is gearing up for the new inpatient tower being built at the Gwinnett campus.

“We’re going to be close to 1000 beds at the Lawrenceville campus,” said Dennard. “We’re debating with our friends at Grady if we’ll have the most beds at one physical address within the region.”

Urgent care beyond emergency rooms

Earlier this year, Northside Hospital and Urgent Care Group opened a new Health Choice Urgent Care Center in Duluth, and they plan to open a Lawrenceville location this month.

Health Choice offers convenient, same-day care for patients with immediate medical needs, including X-ray imaging, COVID-19 testing, occupational health and illness and injury care, according to a news release.

With the addition of the Duluth and Lawrenceville centers, the partnership now operates nine Health Choice Urgent Care centers serving the greater Atlanta communities — Braselton, Chamblee, Duluth, Grayson, Hamilton Mill, Lawrenceville, Roswell, Snellville and Sugar Hill — including six centers in Gwinnett County.

Health Choice Urgent Care Duluth is located at 4215 Pleasant Hill Road in Duluth, less than one mile from the Northside Hospital Duluth Emergency Room. Health Choice Urgent Care Lawrenceville is located at 665 Duluth Highway in Lawrenceville. It is in the GMC Health Park, one mile from the Northside Hospital Gwinnett Emergency Room.

“We are looking at continuing to grow, and one of my responsibilities is working with a real estate company to develop not only medical office buildings, but also other sites for the system,” said Dennard.

He hinted that much more is on the horizon — including Peachtree Corners. That’s why recruiting is a crucial part of future growth, he explained.

“We have a huge focus around bringing the brightest and the best to this community to care for all of you. We have a strong partnership across the whole state with the universities …and when it comes to public schools, we want to really strengthen that relationship,” he said. “We want them to stay close to home …in this great community that we have.”

About Northside Gwinnet and Northside Duluth

125,000 people seen in the emergency department in Lawrenceville.
45,000 people seen in the Duluth emergency department.
100 beds in the Lawrenceville emergency department, which is a level two trauma center.
$4 million new parking deck is being built in Lawrenceville.

Up Next

PCBA Awards $500 to Furkids at March Networking Event

Don't Miss

The Salvation Army of Gwinnett County Hosts Fundraiser Luncheon

Arlinda Smith Broady

Arlinda Smith Broady is part of the Boomerang Generation of Blacks that moved back to the South after their ancestors moved North. With approximately three decades of journalism experience (she doesn't look it), she's worked in tiny, minority-based newsrooms to major metropolitans. At every endeavor she brings professionalism, passion, pluck, and the desire to spread the news to the people.

City of Peachtree Corners

Public Notice: Scheduled Maintenance on Town Center Parking Deck

Published

4 days ago

March 25, 2025

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

Maintenance and repairs will take place from March through July; the deck will remain open to the public throughout

Starting the week of March 24, the City of Peachtree Corners will begin scheduled maintenance and repairs on the Town Center Parking Deck. These improvements are expected to continue through July 2025 and are necessary to ensure the longevity of the structure.

During this period, the deck will remain open to the public, but the repair areas will be temporarily closed on a rolling basis. These closures will allow crews to efficiently complete the necessary work while minimizing disruption to tenants, customers and residents.

To assist with navigation, directional signage, barriers and other safety measures will be in place to guide drivers and pedestrians safely around work areas. For public safety, drivers must follow the directional signage and only park in the open sections of the deck.

The city appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as they work to maintain a safe and well-functioning parking facility.

For project updates, visit peachtreecornersga.gov.

City of Peachtree Corners

Fun for a Good Cause at Curiosity Lab’s Inaugural 5K Run/Walk

Published

2 weeks ago

March 18, 2025

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

The Charity Run/Walk will be part of Curiosity Lab’s annual Criterium event

Expect a day of thrilling races and family-friendly fun at the inaugural Curiosity Lab Charity 5K Run/Walk followed by the Curiosity Lab Criterium on Sunday, April 27.

The day-long community event will kick off at 8 a.m., when registration opens for the 5K. The race will start at 9 a.m. and end at 10:30 a.m., and the Criterium will begin at 11:15 a.m.

In addition to the running and cycling events, there will also be kid’s races, food & beverage vendors, a kids zone, a DJ spinning tunes and more fun throughout the day.

The Charity 5K Run/Walk

Presented by Werfen and Sidel, with additional support provided by Atlas Collaborative and the City of Peachtree Corners, the Charity 5K Run/Walk will benefit the American Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and 100% of the registration fees will be donated.

While no prizes will be given for the race, bib timing will be used for those who would like to see their times. And each registrant will receive a Curiosity Lab Charity 5K Run/Walk t-shirt for participating.

Registration for the 5K is open now.

Curiosity Lab Criterium

Following the 5K, hang around and experience the Curiosity Lab Criterium, part of U.S. Pro Cycling’s Speed Week.

Speed Week is a premiere week-long event on the U.S. Pro Cycling Circuit that draws cyclists from around the world, including Olympic medalists and world and national champions. In 2024, the professional men’s and women’s events drew cyclists from over 30 states and more than 20 countries.

A group of bikers at the starting line, competing in a bike race. — photo courtesy of City of Peachtree Corners

Join in the excitement and watch as some of the world’s top male and female Criterium Racers tackle the most challenging track on the circuit.

The details

The 2025 Curiosity Lab Criterium & 5K will take place on a course located within the world-famous Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners — a 5G-enabled, 500-acre living laboratory ecosystem designed specifically as a proving ground for IoT, mobility and smart city emerging technologies.

Location: Curiosity Lab at City Hall • 310 Technology Pkwy NW, Peachtree Corners

Date and time: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The 5K starts at 9 a.m and ends at 10:30 a.m. The Criterium begins at 11:15 a.m.

Parking for the event will be located at 400 and 420 Technology Parkway, Peachtree Corners.

For more information, visit peachtreecornersga.gov.

Community

Upcoming Spring Events You Won’t Want to Miss in April

Published

2 weeks ago

March 17, 2025

Shawne Taylor

Close-up of a cornhole board and a hand reaching down to pick up blue/green beanbags.

The sun is out, days are getting warmer and spring is on its way. That means more time outdoors and more fun events and activities in and around Peachtree Corners.

From movies and sports to live music and family fun, now’s the time to mark your calendar for all of the upcoming events you won’t want to miss. We’re sharing a few of our April favorites to get you started.

CrossFit on the Green

All ages and fitness levels are invited to join Terrance Fox with CrossFit PPG on the Peachtree Corners Town Green, Thursdays at 8 a.m. for a strength and conditioning workout. Bring water (no glass containers), a small towel or two, and a mat if possible. Wear comfortable workout attire and good shoes. March–November. Admission: free

Peachtree Corners Town Green • 5140 Town Green Blvd., Peachtree Corners

Cornhole Spring League

Come out and cheer on the teams who’ve registered to compete in this seven-week spring league. Play takes place weekly beginning March 20 and ends on May 15 with a tournament and trophy. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission: free

The Forum at Peachtree Corners • 5155 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners

Friday Night Live

Kick back and groove to the smooth sounds of live music from favorite local artists every Friday night on The Plaza, April–October. Concert schedule will be announced soon. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Admission: free

The Forum at Peachtree Corners • 5155 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners

A band performing on an outdoor stage. A man with short hair, white t-shirt and sunglasses sings into the mic and points to the crowd. A woman with dark hair and short, black dress is in the background smiling. And other musicians are behind them. — photo courtesy of The Forum at Peachtree Corners

Kids and Parents Gardening Workshop

This gardening workshop presented by nonprofit group DFOWW will share basic gardening information for youth ages 5–12 and their parent or guardian. Seeds, plants and a catered lunch will be provided. Register online. April 5 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tickets: $75 per adult; $10 per adult for low-income families

Norcross Cultural Arts and Community Center • 10 College St., Norcross

Forum Flicks

Forum Flicks are back for 2025. Gather on The Plaza and enjoy your favorite movies on the big screen on the second Tuesday of each month. Movie schedule will be announced soon. April–October starting at 6 p.m. Admission: free

The Forum at Peachtree Corners • 5155 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners

Spring Plant & Pot Sale

Kick off the spring gardening season with this four-day sale of plants and pots. Tomatoes, peppers, herbs, flowers and more will be available for purchase. April 19, 21–23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday; 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday–Wednesday.

Peachtree Farm • 356 Research Ct., Peachtree Corners

Close-up or small hands holding a tiny green plant in soil. — photo courtesy of Gwinnett County Public Library

Earth Day Celebration

Learn about the origins of Earth Day and create seed bombs to take home with you at this all-ages workshop. April 22 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: free. Registration is not required.

Peachtree Corners Library • 5570 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners

Mt. Carmel Spring BBQ

Enjoy pork BBQ, Brunswick stew, slaw and desserts. The event will continue until items sell out. Dine in and take out are available. April 25 starting at 11 a.m.

Mount Carmel United Methodist Church • 5100 S. Old Peachtree Rd., Peachtree Corners

Wesleyan Artist Market

This annual two-day market showcase features a curated selection of artwork, handmade goods, jewelry and more, with offerings from professional artists as well as student artists. April 25–26 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Wesleyan School • 5405 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners

Spring Fest!

Welcome spring at CtK’s annual Spring Fest! Families are invited to join in for a day of free family fun, food, face painting, a petting zoo and more. April 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission: free

Christ the King Lutheran Church • 5575 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners

Curiosity Lab Criterium and Charity 5K Run/Walk

This day-long, family-friendly event on April 27 will feature an inaugural charity 5K Run/Walk to benefit the American Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Following the race, guests are invited to hang around and experience the Curiosity Lab Criterium, a U.S. Pro Cycling Circuit Race. The 5K starts at 9 a.m.; the bike race begins at 11:15 a.m. There will also be kid’s races, food & beverage vendors, a kids zone, DJ and more throughout the day. From 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Curiosity Lab at City Hall • 310 Technology Pkwy NW, Peachtree Corners