Explore the latest updates, announcements, and community stories from Franklin Primary Health Center. From new providers and service expansions to health fairs, grant awards, and local partnerships, this is your go-to source for what’s happening across our six-county service area.
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Children from birth through age 5 now receive a free, age-appropriate book — in English or Spanish — during well-child visits at three Franklin Primary Health Center locations.
New initiative provides free books to young patients during well-child visits at three Franklin Primary Health Center locations
MOBILE, Ala. (October 29, 2026) – Franklin Primary Health Center is pleased to announce its participation in Reach Out and Read, a nationally recognized early literacy program that promotes healthy childhood development by incorporating books and reading guidance into routine pediatric care. Through this initiative, children from birth through age 5 will receive a free, age-appropriate book during their well-child visits at participating Franklin Primary Health Center locations. The program encourages parents and caregivers to read aloud with their children, helping strengthen family relationships while supporting early language development, communication skills, and school readiness.
“At Franklin Primary Health Center, our commitment to children’s health extends beyond traditional medical care,” said Dr. Chiquitia Anderson, Chief of Pediatrics at Franklin Primary Health Center. “By incorporating early literacy into pediatric visits, we have an opportunity to support healthy childhood development while encouraging families to establish reading habits that can benefit children throughout their lives.”
The Reach Out and Read program is currently available at three Franklin Primary Health Center locations:
To better serve Franklin Primary Health Center’s diverse patient population, books are available in both English and Spanish, helping families incorporate reading into their daily routines in the language they are most comfortable using. Reach Out and Read is built on the understanding that reading together during the earliest years of life plays an important role in healthy brain development and establishing a strong foundation for learning. By integrating literacy promotion into well-child visits, healthcare providers can encourage parents and caregivers to make shared reading a regular part of their children’s development.
The addition of Reach Out and Read reflects Franklin Primary Health Center’s continued commitment to providing comprehensive, family-centered healthcare services that address the physical, developmental, and educational needs of children throughout the communities it serves.
For more information about Reach Out and Read, visit www.reachoutandread.org. To learn more about pediatric services at Franklin Primary Health Center, visit www.FranklinPrimary.org.
Franklin Primary Health Center is a community-based healthcare organization dedicated to providing accessible, affordable, and comprehensive healthcare services to individuals and families throughout southwest Alabama. With 23 locations serving six counties, Franklin offers a broad range of medical, dental, behavioral health and other supportive services. Through its commitment to preventive care, community partnerships and patient-centered services, Franklin Primary Health Center works to improve health outcomes and enhance the quality of life for the communities it serves.
Reach Out and Read is a national nonprofit organization that promotes early childhood development by integrating books and literacy guidance into pediatric care. Through partnerships with healthcare providers, the program encourages families to read together from an early age, supporting healthy relationships, language development, and lifelong learning.
About 100–120 community members joined Franklin’s annual Pink for Prevention Breast Cancer Awareness Health Fair on October 27 — completing 60 health screenings and seven mammograms, with support from six community partners.
Franklin Primary Health Center welcomed approximately 100–120 community members to its annual Pink for Prevention Breast Cancer Awareness Health Fair on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at the Franklin Medical Mall. Held in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the event emphasized the importance of early detection, preventive screenings, and access to quality healthcare. The event brought together healthcare professionals, community organizations, and local residents for a day dedicated to education, wellness, and community engagement. Attendees received preventive health screenings, breast cancer awareness information, and assistance connecting with healthcare services and resources.
One of the event’s most significant accomplishments was providing attendees with opportunities to take proactive steps toward better health.
Franklin Primary Health Center completed 60 health screening encounters, and seven mammograms were performed during the event. Patients also received assistance scheduling follow-up appointments through Franklin’s Gynecology Department, including evaluations to determine eligibility for the Alabama Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. These services reinforced the importance of regular preventive care and helped connect community members with resources to support their continued health and well-being.
The success of Pink for Prevention was made possible in part through the participation of six community partners, each contributing valuable resources and information.
Together, these organizations helped create a comprehensive community event that addressed a variety of healthcare and wellness needs while emphasizing the importance of collaboration in building healthier communities.
Pink for Prevention also received local television news coverage, helping extend its message of breast cancer awareness and preventive healthcare throughout the community. Franklin Primary Health Center Family Nurse Practitioner Superior Campbell and Mobile City Council member Napoleon Bracy participated in media interviews, highlighting the importance of accessible healthcare, preventive screenings, and community education.
A board-certified internist with more than 25 years of experience in adult primary care and chronic disease management, Dr. Baldwin is now accepting new patients, with same-day appointments available.
Pg. 1 Message From the CEO
Pg. 2 Community Health Center Leaders Visit Franklin
Pg. 3 Franklin Welcomes Four New Physicians
Pg. 4 Franklin Awarded Nearly $3.1 Million to Expand Rural Healthcare / 29th Annual Franklin Buskey Golf Tournament
Pg. 5 Memories From This Year’s Golf Tournament
Pg. 6 Napoleon Bracy, Jr. Named 2026 Classic Man of the Year / Meet Our New Family Medicine Residents
Pg. 7 Community Health Fair & Back-to-School Bash
Pg. 8 National Health Center Week & APHCA Recognition
Pg. 9 Community Leadership & Cancer Screening
Pg. 10 Franklin Welcomes New Marketing Director / Franklin Partners with Williamson High School
Pg. 11 Expanding Our Rural Behavioral Health Workforce
Pg. 12 Services and Leadership
Franklin Primary Health Center recently welcomed Jennifer Ballack Schuller as Director of Marketing, joining the organization’s leadership team. Schuller has more than two decades of experience in healthcare marketing and communications, with a background spanning strategic marketing, public relations, brand management, media relations, digital communications, and community engagement.
In her new role, Schuller will lead Franklin’s marketing and communications efforts, including brand strategy, media relations, digital and social media, advertising, community outreach, recruitment marketing, and strategic communications. She will work closely with Franklin’s executive leadership team to increase awareness of the organization’s providers, services, programs, and impact throughout the communities Franklin serves.
Prior to joining Franklin, Schuller served as Director of Marketing & Communications for Alabama Medical Group, where she led marketing and communications initiatives for the healthcare organization. Her career in healthcare marketing also includes experience with Infirmary Health, where her work included strategic communications, program launches, and public and media relations. Schuller earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications/Public Relations with a minor in English from the University of South Alabama, where she also completed graduate studies.
The addition of an experienced healthcare marketing professional to Franklin’s leadership team supports the organization’s continued growth and commitment to strengthening communication and engagement with patients, employees, providers, community partners, and the communities Franklin serves.
Franklin Primary Health Center is proud to recognize Napoleon Bracy, Jr. on being named the 2026 Classic Man of the Year by Classic Men of Mobile. Napoleon was honored during the organization’s 10th Annual Classic Man Event on September 19 in Mobile. The recognition celebrates leadership, service, distinction, and a commitment to making a positive impact in the community. As a valued member of the Franklin Primary Health Center team, Napoleon exemplifies a spirit of service and dedication to others that aligns with Franklin’s commitment to the communities we serve.
Franklin Primary Health Center is proud to congratulate CEO Charles White on receiving a Mobile Community Health Leadership Award from the Mobile Medical Museum. The award recognizes individuals whose leadership, service, and commitment have made a meaningful impact on healthcare in the Mobile community. In announcing the recognition, Dr. Daryn Glassbrook, Executive Director of the Mobile Medical Museum, noted that the honorees demonstrate their connection to Mobile through dedicated and collaborative efforts to improve healthcare access and outcomes for vulnerable populations.
Mr. White’s recognition reflects his longstanding commitment to Franklin’s mission and his leadership in expanding access to quality, compassionate healthcare for the individuals and families we serve. His work and dedication have helped strengthen Franklin’s role as an important healthcare resource throughout our community while continuing to advance the organization’s mission of ensuring care is accessible to those who need it most.
This summer marked an exciting milestone for Franklin Primary Health Center. For the first time in our 51-year history, Franklin welcomed physicians into our own Family Medicine Residency Program, expanding our role in training the next generation of doctors.
We are proud to welcome Dr. Muhammad Fiyaz Alam, Dr. Ganesh Kumar, Dr. Shadab Aslam, and Dr. Sheena Kumari as our inaugural class of Family Medicine residents. The four physicians began seeing patients in July while receiving hands-on training and experience caring for the patients and families Franklin serves.
The residency program represents an important investment in the future of healthcare. By training physicians within a community health center setting, Franklin is helping prepare doctors to understand the unique healthcare needs of the communities we serve while strengthening the pipeline of well-trained primary care physicians for our region.
The program also allows Franklin’s experienced physicians and healthcare professionals to play an important role in mentoring and educating the next generation of family medicine physicians. We are excited to have Dr. Alam, Dr. Kumar, Dr. Aslam, and Dr. Kumari as part of the Franklin family and look forward to watching them grow throughout their residency training.
Franklin Board of Directors member Pamela Battiste has been named the Alabama Primary Health Care Association’s (APHCA) Board Member of the Year. Since joining Franklin’s board in August 2025, she has helped secure more than $78,000 in charitable contributions — building the community partnerships that help Franklin expand access to care across Southwest Alabama.
“She has embraced her role as a board member with tremendous energy and purpose,” said Charles White, Chief Executive Officer of Franklin Primary Health Center. “We are extremely proud of Pamela and grateful for the dedication, advocacy and leadership she brings to Franklin.”
Maysville just became a place where the whole family gets care – children’s checkups alongside adult medicine, OB/GYN, pharmacy, lab, and more, all under one roof. Pediatric care for ages 0 –19 begins July 1, with Dr. Ryan Avery accepting new patients now.
With a residency at Hurley Children’s Hospital and three years caring for Franklin families, Dr. Avery brings compassionate, comprehensive pediatric care for children ages 0 –19 – now accepting new patients at Maysville.
The Alabama Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (ABCCEDP) provides free breast and cervical cancer screenings for women who meet the following criteria.
Pg. 1 Message from th CEO
Pg. 2 Franklin Leadership Updates/SBHC Expansion
Pg. 3 New Faces at Franklin
Pg. 4 New Faces cont. / Community Recognition
Pg. 5 20th Annual Franklin Buskey Golf Tournament / Family Medicine Residency Program Begins July 1.
Pg. 6 2026 Franklin Buskey Gala
Pg. 7 Gala Sponsors and Memories
Pg. 8 Services, Board of Directors, Executive Team, and Management Team
With 23 years of dedication to Franklin and a proven record of strong leadership, Mrs. Stallworth has earned this promotion and will help guide us into the future.
Dr. James is a compassionate leader with more than 35 years of experience who cares deeply about her team and the patients they serve.
Ms. LaDuna brings compassion and clinical expertise to our behavioral health team, expanding access to quality mental health care for the patients we serve.
Dr. Anderson brings 16 years of experience and a genuine gift for caring for children and their families – we’re proud to have her at Franklin Primary.
Dr. Williams is a transformational leader whose 20+ years in behavioral health will strengthen our programs and make a real difference for the families we serve.
With a steady hand and a heart for service, Dr. Spriggs is now providing care at the South Baldwin Family Health Center.
Dr. Lee brings warmth, wisdom, and a deep commitment to whole-person care—now serving patients at the Charles White Family Health Center.
Adult Medicine: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Pediatrics: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
(Walk-ins & same-day appointments welcome.)
Adult Medicine: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Pediatrics: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
OB/GYN: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Dental: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
(Walk-ins & same-day appointments welcome.)
Adult Medicine: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Pediatrics: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Radiology: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Adult Medicine: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Pediatrics: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Dental: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Homeless SA Services: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Adult Medicine: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Pediatrics: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Radiology: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Pharmacy: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Adult Medicine: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Pediatrics: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
(Walk-ins & same-day appointments welcome.)
Adult Medicine: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Pediatrics: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Dental: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Radiology: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Adult Medicine: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Pediatrics: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
OB/GYN: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Dentistry: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Adult Medicine: Monday – Thursday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Pediatrics: Monday – Thursday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
OB/GYN: Monday – Thursday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Radiology: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
(Walk-ins & same-day appointments welcome.)
Adult Medicine: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Pediatrics: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Dental: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
(Walk-ins & same-day appointments welcome.)
Adult Medicine: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
OB/GYN: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Pediatrics: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
(Walk-ins & same-day appointments welcome.)
Adult Medicine: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Pediatrics: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
(Walk-ins & same-day appointments welcome.)
Adult Medicine: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Behavioral Health: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Subtance Abuse: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
(Walk-ins & same-day appointments welcome.)
Brad McMillan, CFA®, CAIA, MAI, is the chief investment officer and a managing principal at Commonwealth. With the firm since 2006, he oversees the firm’s investment and asset management groups and acts as spokesperson for the firm’s investment divisions. Brad comments frequently on the markets and economy for a range of media outlets and writes daily for his blog, the Independent Market Observer. He’s a designated member of the Appraisal Institute, the CFA Institute, and the CAIA Association.
Kim Tillinghast began her career in the banking industry in 1985. She graduated with a degree in Finance from West Texas State University in 1990 and has continued her education by earning her Series 24 General Securities Principal Exam and Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA™). Shortly thereafter she started her brokerage career at a traditional wirehouse in downtown Los Angeles, California in 1991. After relocating to Orange County, Kim became an independent financial advisor in May of 1993. She brings over 37 years in the banking and finance industry with experience ranging from designing, developing, employing and maintaining complex investment strategies, Pension Plans, Employee Stock Option Plans, Corporate Finance, Estate Planning and Transition. Outside of her career, she served as Co-Chair of the Dallas County Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 2013 and 2014 and currently serves on the Board of the Tillinghast Society, Inc. With a deep love for animals, she continues to volunteer for multiple emergency animal response teams including Red Rover, HSUS, UAN, ASPCA and volunteers weekly at the Irving Animal Shelter. Kim also loves worldwide adventure travel and has many amazing experiences visiting almost half of the world’s countries and all seven continents, twice.
Karthik Muraliraj was raised in Fort Worth, Texas, and developed an interest in investing and economics at a young age. After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a minor in Business, he started his career as a financial professional in 2008. Throughout his career, Karthik has continued to educate himself by gaining multiple designations. Since moving to Dallas, he has been an active member in the community—volunteering with organizations such as the network of Indian Professionals, Dallas Autumn Ball and Reading Partners. Karthik is an avid sports fan and enjoys supporting his alma mater as a proud member of the Texas Exes Dallas Chapter. In his free time, Karthik enjoys cooking, travel, fitness and spending time with this wife, son, dog, and cat.
Crystal Arredondo was born and raised in Germany. She moved to Texas following her parents’ decision to retire after serving an overseas career in the Armed Forces. Seeing firsthand the difficult transition to civilian life after retirement, Crystal obtained her MBA in Finance at the University of North Texas and began her career as a financial advisor. In 2009, she completed the Retirement Planning Specialist Program at the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania. In 2018, she earned her designation of Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®). In 2022, she earned the additional designation as a Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA™). As the daughter of an immigrant mother, she especially enjoys helping women and business owners make decisions that affect their financial independence. She served as the 2015-16 Chair for the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) and 2016-17 Chair for the NAWBO Institute of Entrepreneurial Development.
Philip Strunk is a native of Houston, TX. Philip earned his Bachelor of Business Administration and Masters in Professional Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin’s McCombs School of Business. He earned his designation as Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in 2004 and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (TM) certification in 2010. Having started his career with Deloitte & Touche, LLP in 2005, Philip spent a year and a half in Deloitte’s Audit and Assurance Services group and provided a variety of financial services for a number of Fortune 500 companies. He decided in late 2006 that his talent and passion for investments were best suited for working with smaller groups and individuals. After obtaining the required securities registrations and insurance licenses, Philip became a financial advisor. The impact was plainly visible and more fulfilling. Philip serves as the Investment Director for MPACT.
