Words and Images by Jenny Lynn Davis
Community leaders and residents gathered in Cordova on Monday, August 25, for a ribbon cutting at Cordova Family Care, a new medical clinic set to open in October.
Cordova Mayor Pro Tempore Brett Dawkins called the day a milestone for Cordova.
“Today, we’re not just cutting a ribbon, we’re opening the doors to better health, a brighter future, and stronger community connections,” Dawkins said. “This is your clinic. It belongs to all of us. It is a place where neighbors won’t just walk in as patients, but as family.”
The clinic is the result of years of planning by the Cordova Economic and Industrial Development Authority (CEIDA). Executive Director Renee Sides said a medical facility consistently ranked among the community’s top needs.
“With our elderly population and limited transportation options, traveling out of town for healthcare was a real challenge,” she said. “Now, residents can come right here to downtown Cordova for the care they need. That is a game changer for our community.”
Alabama Secretary of Workforce Greg Reed, a Cordova native, reflected on both the personal and economic significance of the project.
“Healthcare is one of the most important elements when you talk about workforce,” Reed said. “This facility not only provides jobs here in Cordova, but also ensures the community has the healthcare foundation it needs to thrive.”
He added that the building itself holds memories. “When I was a child, this was Mr. Key’s Grocery. Now, to see it transformed into a medical clinic is a powerful reminder of how places can evolve to meet our needs.”
Cordova Family Care will be operated by family nurse practitioners Linda Alvis, Felicia Branham, and Autumn Mummey. The clinic will offer primary care, chronic disease management, treatment for acute illnesses, and in-house X-ray and lab services. Extended hours, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, will accommodate working families.
“We’re all three from Walker County. We love Walker County, and we love caring for people,” Alvis said.
State Senator Matt Woods (R-Jasper) praised the project as “a proud day not only for Cordova, but for all of us who care about the future of small towns.”
Developer Tim Brown of Jasper-based ML&H, whose firm handled the renovation, described the event as “the starting line, not the finish line.”
“Studies show that when a community gains access to local healthcare, disparities decrease and costs go down. Preventative care keeps people healthier. That’s exactly what this clinic will do for Cordova,” said Brown. “I encourage all of you: engage with this community, support this clinic, and help shape what comes next. Cordova’s future is bright, and we’re proud to be part of it.” WL
Cordova Family Care will be located at 20 Brewer Street, Cordova, AL 35550 and is projected to open in October 2025.
