Overview:
Mercer University, in partnership with state agencies, unveiled Georgia’s first diagnostic center for adults with developmental disabilities — a state-of-the-art facility in Macon offering integrated medical, behavioral, and specialty care set to open in August 2025.
Mercer University School of Medicine, in collaboration with the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities and River Edge Behavioral Health, introduced a pioneering new health care facility on June 9 that aims to transform how Georgia cares for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
The 34,000-square-foot Mercer Center for IDD Care, located at 750 Hazel Street in Macon, is set to officially open in August 2025 and will be the first of its kind in the state. It will combine River Edge’s behavioral and crisis services with Mercer’s outpatient health care offerings, delivering a wide range of personalized care under one roof.
At the open house event, which drew Mercer leaders, public officials, and community members, School of Medicine Dean Dr. Jean R. Sumner and Medical Director Dr. Jonathan Smith emphasized the urgent need for integrated care tailored to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
“Our goal is to treat the whole person,” said Dr. Smith. “Too often, patients with IDD are seen only through the lens of their disability. But like any adult, they face a range of health concerns — from hypertension and diabetes to behavioral health challenges — that require attentive, specialized care.”
The center will offer primary care alongside a host of specialty services, including outpatient therapies such as physical, occupational, and speech-language therapy. In partnership with the Dental College of Georgia, the center will also provide dental care tailored to the needs of adults with IDD.
State-of-the-art imaging services, including X-rays and mammograms, will address long-standing disparities in cancer screenings among this population. An on-site lab and pharmacy will allow patients to receive prescriptions and lab results in one visit, enhancing the continuity of care. A soundproof audiology booth will also enable early diagnosis of hearing impairments, which can otherwise go undetected.
“The way individuals with IDD interact with their environment is deeply influenced by their sensory abilities. Identifying hearing issues early can make a significant difference in outcomes,” Dr. Smith noted.
Beyond its clinical mission, the Mercer Center for IDD Care will also serve as a training and research hub. Medical students, physicians, and allied health professionals will receive hands-on training to develop the specialized skills needed to care for patients with IDD.
“We will collect data, track outcomes and continuously refine our approach,” Dr. Sumner said. “Our goal is to serve as a center of excellence — sharing best practices across the country and establishing fellowships and residencies that will shape the future of IDD care.”
With its innovative model and holistic approach, the Mercer Center for IDD Care represents a significant advancement in health equity for a historically underserved population and sets a new national standard for integrated care.