Much like its biblical namesake did while traveling on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho in Luke 10:25- 37, Good Samaritan Health Clinic followed the command of Jesus Christ to“ Go and do likewise” when encountering those less fortunate.
Founded in 2004 at 401 Arnold Street Northeast, the facility has spent the better part of the past 22 years administering to the physical and mental needs of its neighbors in its mission of delivering sustainable, longterm healthcare and all-around wellness to the uninsured members of the community.
Formerly used as the emergency room of the old Cullman Hospital, the clinic’ s current building began showing its age quite some time ago.
“ This building is very old and needs a lot of repairs,” said Executive Director Jolanda Hutson, a born and bred Cullmanite who arrived at Good Samaritan in November of 2014.“ Once we heard the facility was being sold and we had no long-term tenancy agreement, we felt it was a great opportunity to start looking at other options.”
A decision was made during an April 2023 board / staff retreat, and the Good Samaritan board of directors gave Hutson the green light to pursue options for a different location. Word of mouth kickstarted the process that led to the acquisition of 2.7 acres of real estate located at 118 Veterans Drive, next to the VFW,
in southwest Cullman in February of 2024.
“ It came through the grapevine that USA Healthcare was going to be sold, and the momentum built quickly,” said Hutson.
Hutson and board members met with, among others, State Senator Garlan Gudger, current Cullman County Economic Development Office Director Matt Kinsland, former Cullman County Economic Development Office Director Dale Greer, City of Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs, the Cullman County Commission and eventually ADECA Executive Director Kenneth Boswell. In less than two years, Good Samaritan secured most of the funding for the total project cost of 2.8 million dollars.
Hutson reserved special praise for Gudger for his role in the process.
“ Senator Gudger has been one of our biggest advocates. He has held true to his word and was very influential in us receiving some much-needed funding.”
Hutson pointed to the support of longtime Good Samaritan benefactor Frank Brown as a key ally in helping the clinic keep its doors open for the past 264 months.
“ Among other things, Mr. Brown allowed us to stay here rent and utility free and took care of all of our medical waste disposal and maintenance,” she said.
Cullman County Economic Development Assistant Director Tiffany Oldacre wrote a $ 1 million matching grant from Appalachian Regional Commission, which was recommended by Boswell, and awarded to Good Samaritan. Shortly after learning the grant had been approved, Hutson formed a Capital Campaign Committee to raise additional funds to make the dream a reality. More than 30 community leaders served as ambassadors for the clinic’ s new facility campaign.
“ The culmination of open house events at the clinic’ s current location, along with many personal contacts, and people / businesses digging deep into their pockets resulted in the clinic raising $ 276,000 at Good Samaritan’ s Capital Campaign Dinner in September of 2024.
“ This endeavor has truly been a community wide effort, and Good Samaritan Clinic would not be at this juncture without the overwhelming support of our community and beyond,” said Hutson.
The ceremonial groundbreaking for the 5,040-square feet structure took place on September 13, 2025, as a part of the clinic’ s inaugural Health and Wellness Fun Day. Construction by Badger Building, Inc., began two days later. The projected completion of the new clinic will be sometime in the late spring or early summer.
Huston has been grateful for the level of excitement and anticipation that the news of the Veterans Drive facility is generating during the past 24 months.
Members of the Cullman Lions Club gather Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, to donate $ 50,000 to the Good Samaritan Health Clinic’ s new facility.
PHOTO BY BENJAMIN BULLARD
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