Leaders with The Salvation Army, Christ Health Center and the city of Birmingham came together Wednesday to hold a groundbreaking for a new health clinic in North Birmingham.
The project is a collaboration between the two faith-based groups and will initially provide basic medical care at the facility in the Acipco-Finley neighborhood. Officials said more services will be added in response to community needs
“ We are all triune beings, body, mind and spirit. And to us, the prescription is so much bigger than what healthcare has traditionally been,” Dr. Robert Record, CEO and Managing Director of Christ Health Center, said. “ If any part of that is unhealthy, it makes it hard to be healthy anywhere else.”
Speakers at the groundbreaking included Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, who acknowledged The Salvation Army’s reputation as a symbol of hope, compassion and service.
“Today, we build on that legacy as we celebrate the groundbreaking of the Christ Health Center. I believe this moment represents far more than the start of a construction project. It marks the beginning of a new chapter for our community, one where more individuals and families have access to the quality healthcare that they deserve, as well as that they need.” Woodfin said.
He described the incoming health center as “a place where faith intersects with compassion and care,” in order to “improve lives, strengthen families, and create healthier communities.”
Catherine Lewis, president of the Acipco-Finley Neighborhood Association, has lived in the neighborhood since she was a child. She said residents were enthusiastic.
“ We want this. You wanna help people. So I think that's a good thing that they are doing,” Lewis said.
Salvation Army Major Douglas McClure spoke about his mission for the group’s Birmingham command: to build stronger faith, healthy families and a better community.
“ People… are gonna have quality healthcare right here in their neighborhood,” McClure said.
According to a U.S. Census estimate, 12.3% of residents in the neighborhood don’t have health insurance.
In terms of spiritual support, he said the clinic will have pastoral care, people to speak with patients about their faith journeys, an on-site church and a weekly Bible study. As for those who don’t share the same faith background, McClure says it’s not a barrier to care.
“ The Salvation Army is non-discriminating. We are gonna assist everybody no matter where you come from, no matter what you believe. You don't have to believe the way we do. We're just gonna tell you why we do what we do, but we're still gonna help you in the name of Jesus,” McClure said.
Pylon Building Group is overseeing construction. Company Superintendent Drew Hall said while it’s not his first time building a clinic, this project special.
“ Watching an old building that's been abandoned for years come back to life and serve its new purpose, that's kind of a really neat aspect that a lot of people in construction don't always get to see,” Hall said.
Construction started in June and, according to Hall, will continue until early February 2027.
Vahini Shori is a Report for America corps member covering faith and culture for WBHM.
This reporting is supported by WBHM’s Local Journalism Innovation Fund. Find out more about the fund and how to donate here.
