Selma’s access to specialty care has expanded with the opening of a new podiatry center operated by Rural Health Medical Program, addressing a long-standing gap in care for residents across Alabama’s Black Belt. The organization, which has served West Alabama for nearly 47 years, now operates 11 health centers across six counties and a mobile health unit to reach underserved patients.
Filling a Critical Gap
The new Selma Podiatry Center specifically addresses the needs of patients living with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, according to Rural Health Medical Program leadership. Untreated foot problems can quickly become serious for patients with chronic illness, potentially leading to infections, hospitalizations, or amputations if care is delayed. The center provides a focused space for specialized foot care, particularly for older adults and those managing long-term health conditions, allowing patients to receive services closer to home rather than traveling long distances.
Rural Health Medical Program operates across Dallas, Perry, Wilcox, Marengo, Clarke, and Monroe counties. According to Kesha Dozier Smith, chief executive officer, the organization was created to serve as a safety net for patients who may be uninsured or underinsured while working alongside hospitals, health departments, urgent cares, and private practices.
Comprehensive Care Approach
The program’s approach integrates multiple types of care within one system. Patients can access primary care, dental services, behavioral and mental health support via telehealth, chronic care management, and specialty services like podiatry. The organization also addresses access barriers by providing transportation assistance and care coordination. Smith notes that many patients delay care because they are forced to choose between medical appointments and meeting basic needs such as food and housing.
For Smith, the mission is personal: growing up in rural Alabama often meant driving 20 to 30 minutes or more to see a specialist—especially for uninsured families. She notes that many residents still face this challenge today. The Selma Podiatry Center is now accepting patients and can be reached at 844-736-7629 to schedule appointments.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://us.headtopics.com/news/selma-expands-access-to-specialty-care-with-new-rural-78253523