Here's something healthy: Southwest Mobile Health Center holds open house

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held Aug. 9, 2013 at the Southwest Mobile
Health Center in Tillman's Corner. From left, Chief Wilford Taylor, Mobile
County Commissioner Merceria Ludgood, Mobile Mayor Sam Jones, Comm.
Jerry Carl, Mobile City Councilman John Williams and Dr. Bernard Eichold.



The Mobile County Health Department on Friday, August 9, 2013, held an official grand opening event for the Southwest Mobile Health Center, the agency’s ninth Family Oriented Primary Health Care Clinic.

Dozens of city and county leaders gathered to celebrate the expansion of access to quality primary health services in the area. Funded by a federal grant through the Affordable Care Act, more than $1.3 million is being reinvested in the community during a two-year period through the renovation and operation of the health center.

“Everyone deserves access to quality primary health care,” Dr. Eichold said, adding that the Mobile County Health Department continually seeks innovative ways to promote and protect the health of those who live and work in Mobile County and beyond.

In an effort expand access to care and services, Southwest also includes the Women, Infant and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program.

Patient hours for the health center are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. Fees are based on a sliding scale. Beginning August 12, medical providers at Southwest will accept pediatric and adult patients on weekdays. Private insurance, such as BlueCross/BlueShield, as well as Medicare and Medicaid, is accepted. Call 251-690-8889 for an appointment.

Through its primary care health centers, Mobile County Health Department providers saw nearly 39,000 patients during 2012 for health care needs that included primary medical care, optometry, dentistry, women’s health, family planning and pediatric care. The Mobile County Health Department also operates other primary care health centers throughout Mobile County, including locations in Semmes, Eight Mile, Citronelle, Mount Vernon and downtown Mobile.