American Family Care Accelerates Opening of Newest Clinic to Address Flu Epidemic

Urgent care leader rushes to help local residents who need access to health care

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Jan 15, 2018, 03:48 ET

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Jan. 15, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- American Family Care (AFC), the nation's leading provider of urgent care and accessible primary care today announced the opening of their newest clinic, days ahead of its anticipated opening. Located in the Birmingham suburb of Mountain Brook, the accelerated opening of the clinic is in direct response to flu epidemic gripping the nation. The clinic is AFC's twenty-first clinic located in Central Alabama. AFC's Mountain Brook location is conveniently located on Highway 280, across from Whole Foods, in the Cahaba Village Plaza.

Like all AFC medical centers, the new Mountain Brook location was designed, equipped and staffed to provide accessible primary care, urgent care, and occupational health services. The clinic features a high-tech, high touch approach, including digital x-rays, on-site lab testing, state of the art diagnostics, and electronic medical records. The new location will also have extended hours to 8:00 pm, with no appointments necessary, seven days a week.

In Alabama, Governor Kay Ivey has announced a state of emergency because of the extensive flu outbreak. Indeed, according to the CDC, the entire continental U.S. is experiencing widespread flu – the first time in the 13 years of the current tracking system that has happened. The latest available data indicates more than 60,000 flu cases have been reported – although that does not include all people who have had the flu, as many do not see a doctor when sick. Additionally, 22.7 hospitalizations for every 100,000 people occurred over the week ending January 6, compared with 13.7 per 100,000 for the week ending December 30. Those older than 65 represent the largest group hospitalized, though people within the 50-to-64 age range and children younger than 5 are also experiencing high rates of hospitalization.

"With more than 180 medical centers across the U.S. seeing 3 million patients a year, AFC deals with the flu as much or more than any other health care provider outside of the federal government, so we understand the impact it can have on people and their families," said Dr. Jeremy Allen of American Family Care. "As this flu season continues to unfold, the accelerated opening of our newest clinic in Mountain Brook is just one action among many we are undertaking to help people in the communities we serve during their time of need – across Alabama and around the country," continued Allen.

About American Family Care:
Founded by Dr. Bruce Irwin with a single location in 1982, American Family Care has pioneered the concept of non-emergency room urgent care. With its 2013 acquisition of the Doctors Express, and its subsequent rebranding, AFC has become the nation's leading provider of urgent care, accessible primary care, and occupational medicine, with more than 180 clinics and 600 in-network physicians caring for nearly 3 million patients a year. Ranked by Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest growing companies in the U.S., AFC's stated mission is to provide the best healthcare possible, in a kind and caring environment, while respecting the rights of all patients, in an economical manner, at times and locations convenient to the patient. For more information, visit www.americanfamilycare.com.

SOURCE American Family Care