Just the start: Closing the health care gap for IDD patients
by Jonathan Smith
M.D., FACP, FAAP
Posted on December 9, 2025 9:55 AM
The Mercer Center for IDD Care is a newly established outpatient facility dedicated to serving individuals in Georgia who have intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Through the support of the state legislature, this extraordinary vision is becoming a reality. However, the journey is far from over. There is still important work ahead to ensure that every person with IDD equitably receives comprehensive health care.
This group of patients experiences disparities in many aspects of health care, including access to treatment options and preventive services. While there are sometimes genetic or biological considerations, many of the challenges are rooted in social factors. Unfortunately, society often perceives individuals who are different as inferior. This perception is often based only on physical appearance or differences in communication and behavior. This social isolation runs deeper than the surface. It can result in limited access to high-quality care that’s tailored to the needs of people with IDD.
We will address these missing aspects of health care in ways that make patients feel comfortable. From staff training to finetuning the sensory experience, we want to change the narrative on what healthcare delivery can look like for people with IDD. This proactive approach directly addresses some of the problems with the traditional healthcare model by focusing on the unique ways everyone with IDD connects with the world around them and how we can be an effective part of that interaction. When people are healthy, they can be their best selves and shine in our communities. We want to see that for everyone, including those people with IDD.
By taking novel approaches to patient care, this Center will be a beacon of hope to those who have long been without these services. As we start our journey of closing the health care gap for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, we want people with IDD to know: we hear you, we see you, and above all, we value you.
Written by: Jonathan Smith, M.D., FACP, FAAP