SELMA, Ala. (WSFA) – Access to specialty health care is expanding in Selma following the grand opening of the new podiatry center operated by Rural Health Medical Program.
Leaders with the organization say the new Selma Podiatry Center fills a long-standing gap in care for residents across the Black Belt, particularly patients living with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
Rural Health Medical Program has served West Alabama for nearly 47 years and now operates 11 health centers across six counties, including Dallas, Perry, Wilcox, Marengo, Clarke, and Monroe counties. The organization also operates a mobile health unit to reach patients in rural and underserved areas.
Kesha Dozier Smith, chief executive officer of Rural Health Medical Program, says the organization was created to serve as a safety net for patients who may be uninsured or underinsured, while also working alongside hospitals, health departments, urgent cares, and private practices.
Smith says specialty care, including podiatry, is especially critical in rural communities where patients often face barriers such as transportation challenges, limited clinic availability, and financial strain.
Health leaders say untreated foot problems can quickly become serious for patients with chronic illness, sometimes leading to infections, hospitalizations, or even amputations if care is delayed.
The new Selma Podiatry Center provides a more focused and specialized space for patients who need foot care, particularly older adults and those managing long-term health conditions. Officials say the center allows patients to receive podiatry services closer to home rather than traveling long distances to see a specialist.
Smith says the organization’s approach to care is designed to be comprehensive. Patients receiving services through Rural Health Medical Program can often access multiple types of care in one system, including primary care, dental services, behavioral and mental health support through telehealth, chronic care management, and specialty services like podiatry.
For Smith, the mission is personal. She says growing up in rural Alabama often meant driving 20 to 30 minutes or more to see a specialist — especially for uninsured families — a challenge she says many residents still face today.
She adds that many patients delay care because they are forced to choose between medical appointments and meeting basic needs such as food and housing. Rural Health Medical Program works to address those barriers by connecting patients with additional resources, including transportation assistance and care coordination.
The Selma Podiatry Center is now accepting patients. Appointments can be made by calling 844-736-7629. More information about services, locations, and employment opportunities can be found on the organization’s website.
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