Five Years in Birmingham: Reflecting on Growth, Community, and Care

In September 2021, ArchWell Health opened its first Birmingham, Alabama primary care center in the medically underserved Midfield neighborhood southwest of downtown. The opening represented more than expanded access to care for the Birmingham community. As the organization's first-ever center, Midfield marked the beginning of ArchWell Health's nationwide commitment to providing older adults with personalized, accessible primary care.

Several team members who helped launch the Birmingham market remain part of the organization today, which has grown to nearly 100 centers nationwide.

From introducing Birmingham residents to a new approach to primary care before the first center even opened to helping expand ArchWell Health's presence across the southeastern region of the U.S. in the years following, these longtime team members have been there for every chapter of the journey.

Their stories offer a unique perspective on how three centers grew into a thriving market built on care,

connection, and community.

"When we first started, there was an incredible sense of possibility," said Nia, Community Relations Specialist, who joined the Birmingham team before the doors officially opened. "We spent our days introducing people to the idea of ArchWell Health before they could even see it for themselves."

That excitement is a memory shared by Jarvis Davis, Member Consultant, who recalls the challenge and opportunity of explaining ArchWell Health's unique approach to care.

"There was excitement and nervous energy as we went out into the community sharing who we are and what we do," he said. 

For Tammy Littlejohn, Registered Nurse, the mission itself was what stood out from the beginning.

"When I learned about the company's commitment to serving underserved neighborhoods throughout Birmingham, I knew this was something special," she said.

Those early days required creativity, flexibility, and teamwork. Processes were still being developed, systems were still evolving, and many of the tools colleagues rely on today did not yet exist.

According to Tasha Cox, Market Growth Manager for Alabama, those first employees helped build the foundation that future teams would benefit from.

"We created and figured everything out together," she said. "We didn't have many of the resources available today. We are the group those tools ultimately came from."

As Birmingham grew, so did its impact. Team members point to milestone moments that demonstrated how ArchWell Health's presence extended beyond traditional healthcare. The market has launched numerous community initiatives and partnerships focused on education, wellness, and access to care.

Among the most memorable efforts, Nia highlighted Birmingham's inaugural Men's Health Symposium, a gardening programs developed alongside Sowing Seeds Urban Farm, partnerships with Carver Jones Market to support food access, and prostate cancer awareness initiatives that connected community members with valuable health resources.

These programs, along with countless health fairs, provider meet-and-greets, classes that introduced members to new hobbies, and educational resources, helped strengthen ArchWell Health's connection to Birmingham and create meaningful opportunities for engagement beyond healthcare.

For Jarvis, another source of pride has been watching the organization expand throughout Alabama.

"Being part of every ArchWell Health grand opening in Birmingham and Montgomery has been especially meaningful," he said.

As the market evolved, so did the careers of many of the people who helped launch it.

Amanda Blackmon, LICSW, one of the organization's first social workers, helped shape the social work function during a period of significant growth.

"Building the role from the ground up allowed me to apply my social work expertise in innovative ways," she said. "It gave me the opportunity to identify new ways social workers could support members and contribute to the company's growth."

While Birmingham's growth can be measured through increasing membership and new community partnerships, the team says the true success stories are found in the relationships built over time.

For Tammy, that means the members and families she has met along the way. For Amanda, it means continuing to advocate for older adults and helping remove barriers to care. For Nia, it means building meaningful connections that improve lives beyond the walls of the center.

"Over the years, I've had the privilege of meeting people from all walks of life, hearing their stories, understanding their needs, and connecting them with resources that support their health and well-being," Nia said.

As Birmingham marks this milestone anniversary, the team members who have been there since day one remain excited about what lies ahead. Their stories reflect not only how much Birmingham has grown over the past five years, but also the foundation that will carry it into the next chapter.

And while the numbers tell an important story, the people behind them tell an even bigger one.