For the past decade, financial and staffing challenges have forced a record number of rural hospitals to close across the United States. This has made it even harder for people living in rural communities to access the routine and acute medical care they need to get and stay healthy.

Atmore, Alabama was one of those communities, considered an “underserved area” with the nearest hospital being 30 to 60 miles away for many residents.

However, residents of Atmore and surrounding communities will soon have increased access to quality healthcare services thanks to a project spearheaded by UB Community Development and funded by New Markets Tax Credits and lending from United Bank.

“Our company has a vested interest in our communities,” said UB Community Development’s Chris Walker. “Our interest and commitment to deploying solutions embrace our mission-driven focus on community and economic development.”

The Urgent Care Facility will include exam rooms, a procedure room, diagnostic imaging, pharmacy services, lab services, and wellness screening programs. It will offer enhanced wellness programs and employee health programs, and services at the facility will evolve to meet community needs.

By providing primary and preventive care, the new facility expects to improve the quality of healthcare for approximately 10,000 patients annually with the majority of those patients being on Medicare and including those over 65 and patients with disabilities.

The more than 6,000-square-foot facility will be constructed on a 10-acre site on Highway 21 at Rivercane Industrial Park and is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2022.