New Facility Expands Access to Health Care Through AAMU-Huntsville Hospital Partnership

North Huntsville residents now have a new front door to health care. Alabama A&M University leaders joined Huntsville Hospital officials, elected representatives and community stakeholders Tuesday to celebrate the opening of Physician Care North Huntsville, the first primary care facility in North Huntsville.

The new clinic located at the AAMU Plaza at 4701 Meridian St. will provide primary care services to patients ages 18 and older. The 3,200-square-foot facility includes five exam rooms and one procedure room and will offer annual physicals, preventive screenings, immunizations, chronic disease management, employment and sports physicals, and sick visits.

Alabama A&M University President Daniel K. Wims said the clinic represents the realization of a vision that emerged through years of conversations focused on addressing health care access in North Huntsville.

“I would like to thank new trustee and executive vice president Tracy Doughty,” said Wims during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “This idea did not occur in a vacuum. It came out of years of conversation between he and I, and I am personally indebted to him for the work he did to make this vision possible.”

Wims said discussions initially centered on finding ways to address longstanding challenges facing the community.

“I sold him on the idea that we have somewhat of a food desert and a health care desert, and we needed to do something about it,” said Wims. “This facility is a monumental step forward for North Huntsville and the families who call this community home.”

Doughty, Executive Vice President of Madison County Operations for Huntsville Hospital Health and a recently appointed member of the Alabama A&M University Board of Trustees, said the clinic was created to remove barriers to care for residents across North Huntsville and surrounding communities.

“This clinic is about access,” said Doughty. “It's about making it easier for people in North Huntsville to get the care they need close to home.”

Doughty noted that Huntsville Hospital and Alabama A&M share a common commitment to improving quality of life throughout the region.

“While this clinic is located adjacent to Alabama A&M University, it was created to serve every neighbor in North Huntsville and beyond,” he said. “Together, we're creating something that will benefit every student, employee and family, and we're proud to be part of it.”

Dwayne Mathis, executive director of Huntsville Hospital Physicians Network, said expanding access to preventive care has been a longstanding priority for the health system.

“Historically, North Huntsville has had fewer health care options than many other parts of our community,” said Mathis. “Today is a major step toward changing that.”

Mathis said the facility provides residents with a convenient option for establishing a relationship with a primary care provider close to where they live, work and study.

“Our mission is to bring primary care and preventive services closer to neighbors across our community, and that is exactly what Physician Care North Huntsville will do,” said Mathis.

The clinic will be led by Tammie Smith, a physician assistant (PA), and Alabama A&M alumna. Smith and her team will begin seeing patients by appointment beginning Monday, June 15.

The clinic occupies University-owned property and reflects a partnership between Alabama A&M and Huntsville Hospital to improve community health outcomes and expand access to care in North Huntsville.

Wims noted that the new clinic is part of a broader effort by the University to support community wellness and economic development. He also announced plans for a future dental clinic in the Knight Center and highlighted additional investments in health and wellness initiatives serving both the University and surrounding community.

Among those attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony were Alabama A&M alumni Alabama House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels; State Rep. Laura Hall, who represents Alabama House District 19; Huntsville City Council Member Michelle Watkins; and Alabama A&M Vice President for Marketing, Communications and Advancement Jamal Ali. Additional attendees included Madison County Commission Chairman Rex Vaughn; Madison County Commissioner Violet Edwards, represented by Brian Primm; State Sen. Sam Givhan; Huntsville Hospital Health System CEO Jeff Samz; Huntsville Hospital Chief Medical Officer Dr. Robert Chappell; Senior Vice President of Physician Services Josh Hewitt; members of the Alabama A&M Board of Trustees; University cabinet members; and representatives of the Huntsville-Madison County Chamber of Commerce.

Chip Cherry, president and CEO of the Huntsville-Madison County Chamber of Commerce, presented Doughty with a commemorative plaque recognizing the partnership that helped bring the clinic to North Huntsville.

For residents who have long faced limited access to primary care services, university and hospital leaders said the new facility represents more than a ribbon cutting. It marks a significant investment in the health and well-being of a community that has waited years for expanded health care options.

For more information and to make an appointment, visit https://www.huntsvillehospital.org/north-huntsville