In the heart of Barnesville, Georgia—a town where nearly one in five residents lives below the poverty line—Dr. Tanika Long is proof that roots don’t have to define your reach. A native daughter of this small southern community, Dr. Long defied the odds to become the first and only African American female physician from Barnesville. Today, she’s back—not just as a doctor, but as a visionary leader determined to uplift the next generation through her nonprofit, Full Circle of H.O.P.E., Inc.
A Journey Fueled by Purpose
Dr. Long’s journey is one of grit, faith, and perseverance. After graduating from high school in Barnesville, she pursued undergraduate studies in Atlanta and later earned her medical degree and completed residency training in Philadelphia. For more than 15 years, she practiced anesthesiology across Pennsylvania and Delaware, building a thriving career in a field where women—especially women of color—are vastly underrepresented.
Despite her success, the tug of home never left her heart. In 2021, she returned to Georgia to serve as the Chief Anesthesiologist at Wellstar Cobb Hospital and Medical Director with MAK Anesthesia. But she also returned with something greater in mind: community restoration.
Introducing Full Circle of H.O.P.E.
Founded by Dr. Long in 2022, Full Circle of H.O.P.E. (Helping Our People Excel) is a grassroots nonprofit designed to break generational cycles of poverty, undereducation, and underrepresentation in Barnesville and surrounding Lamar County. “I wanted to create an organization that would touch every area where a child needs support in order to thrive,” she says.
And she means every area. FCOH provides academic resources, emotional support, financial literacy tools, and real-life role models who have roots in the same community. The organization’s mission is deeply personal—Dr. Long herself grew up under the very conditions she now works to eradicate.
From Books to Bigger Dreams
In its first year, Full Circle of H.O.P.E. made an immediate impact. The nonprofit launched an annual book drive that collected over 3,000 books, which now fill three “Little Libraries” erected throughout Barnesville. But books are only the beginning.
FCOH’s programming includes scholarship distributions, career fairs with returning local professionals, financial wellness carnivals, holiday toy giveaways, and a host of mentorship initiatives. One of the nonprofit’s signature events, “Can Anything Good Come Out of Barnesville?” reintroduces youth to hometown heroes who’ve made it big—and come back to share how they did it.
Leading with Heart, Faith, and Resilience
Dr. Long’s leadership is fueled by her deep faith, love for her family, and lived experience. As a Black woman in medicine, she has faced her share of misperceptions and microaggressions. “There were times I was mistaken for the nurse, the student, or even the cleaning crew,” she recalls. “But I’ve learned to educate, not react—and to stay focused on my purpose.”
Married and a mother to an adopted son she lovingly calls her joy, Dr. Long has found strength in every challenge. Her commitment to community is matched only by her belief in divine inspiration. “Full Circle of H.O.P.E. is God-breathed,” she says.
A Movement, Not a Moment
In 2023, Dr. Long was recognized with the Kingdom of God Leadership Award for her community impact. Her story has been featured on NBC’s 11Alive, The Recap Report, and across Georgia media platforms. But the accolades aren’t her goal.
“My dream is to build something lasting,” she says. “If we can change the trajectory of just one child’s life, that ripple can reach generations.”
With Full Circle of H.O.P.E., Dr. Long is doing just that—restoring belief, inspiring dreams, and rebuilding the very town that once shaped her.
To learn more or get involved, visit fullcircleofhope.org.
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