History
Franklin Primary Health Center is a private, non-profit community health center founded in 1975 by Dr. Marilyn Aiello and a group of concerned citizens who recognized the need for quality health care in the underserved Davis Avenue community (now Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue community). The group, headed by Dr. Aiello and founding board member, Mr. James Buskey, established a Board of Directors and became incorporated in the State of Alabama on January 31, 1975. Franklin then applied for and received funding under the Section 330 Community Health Center program in 1979.
The center is named after Dr. James Alexander Franklin, Sr., a retired physician, humanitarian, and scholar who served the community for more than 60 years. In fact, it would not be unusual for Dr. Franklin to see as many as 100 patients in a single day; a work ethic almost unheard of these days.
The center was initially staffed by volunteer physicians, nurses, technicians, administrative personnel, medical students and nursing students who worked tirelessly to provide support throughout the local community.
In 1982, Mr. Charles White, was appointed CEO and under his exceptional leadership, Franklin has grown to 26 community based centers throughout Baldwin, Choctaw, Conecuh, Escambia, Mobile and Monroe counties. This includes a 40,000 square foot Medical Mall, the community’s first one stop medical facility that offers all aspects of primary health and social services.
Today, with over 46 providers, including physicians, dentists, optometrists, nurse practitioners and 285 employees, Franklin Primary Health Center is a critical component of the health care safety net in the community. If it were not for Franklin, many uninsured and underserved people in need of quality medical care would have nowhere else to go, or would face major barriers to getting the health care services that they need.
Franklin is proud of its legacy as established by Dr. Marilyn Aiello, founder, in the name of Dr. James Alexander Franklin, Sr. It is Dr. Franklin’s legacy that Franklin honors each day as it serves approximately 40,000 patients per year with the same care, love, and commitment to serving people.
Franklin continues it’s legacy of excellence by employing the most highly trained doctors, nurses, pharmacist, technicians, and administrative staff this area has to offer. Our employees are dedicated to providing quality health services with care and compassion. As we continue to grow, we will remain committed to the mission and vision set forth by our founders.
Services Offered: Mammography, Internal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Optometry, Dentistry, Radiology, Laboratory, Medical Social Work & Case Management, Pharmacy, Compassionate Use Medication Program, HIV/AIDS Prevention, Education and Testing, Infectious Disease Clinic, Homeless Services, Nutrition Services, Physical Therapy, Wellness & Fitness, Rheumatology, Substance Abuse Treatment and Social Services.
