Rural Health to open new clinic in Orrville

Rural Health Medical Program is opening a new healthcare center on Highway 22 in Orrville.

Rural Health has nine centers throughout the Black Belt and the new clinic will serve Orrville and neighboring communities, including Safford, Beatrice, Boyd and Gee’s Bend. 

Providing access to affordable quality healthcare is part of the mission of Rural Health Medical Program, Inc., said RHMPI CEO Keshee Dozier Smith. Standing in an open field in the town of Orrville, Smith took The Sun on a brief journey on how the soon-coming site was chosen.

“It was about four or five years ago that we sat down with Mayor Louvenia Lumpkin concerning this possibility of a clinic in her town. We agreed that not only do we need to provide access points in the urban cities, but also in the rural communities. It’s been a long time coming.”

Mayor Lumpkin shared her excitement. “Today, one of the visions that I had has come into fruition,” she stated. “The people of Orrville need this and deserve this. I want them to get the same quality service I received at the Selma clinic. I have a health issue and had been going to a different doctor for a while. That second visit to Rural Health found it. I’m feeling good. Doing well. And, I want everybody to get the same good treatment I have. That’s the type service I want for our town. Good quality service.” 

“There is no reason you have to travel so far to get good medical care,” stated Don King, Chairman of the RHMPI Board. “We provide as good medical care as you’re gonna find anywhere.”

The future site of the new health clinic sits in a lot on the main highway between the post office and town hall, which is next to a space that will become the new (first) library. 

“Our goal is to ensure that people in satellite rural areas have access to primary healthcare. Healthcare that’s affordable. That’s quality. And receive the best customer service that they deserve.” The Orrville clinic is “coming soon.”