By CHRISTINE BOATWRIGHT / Staff Writer

CHELSEA – The Baptist Health Center in Chelsea officially opened for business on July 18. The health center, located at 15582 U.S 280, offers the Chelsea community a hub for medical care.

At the center of the hub is Dr. Randy Lamberson, a practicing physician in family medicine from the Trussville area. According to Shelby Baptist Medical Center President David Wilson, Lamberson moved to Chelsea and “feels a part of the community already.”

Justin Barnett, director of operations for the Baptist Health Centers, said there are more than 40 clinics across central Alabama, employing more than 100 doctors.

“It’s a one-stop shop,” Barnett said of the Chelsea clinic. “A family practice physician can treat anyone from two weeks old to 100 years old. The whole family is covered.”

April Weaver, director of business development for Shelby Baptist Medical Center, said the development of a health center in Chelsea makes perfect sense.

“Based on the growth of Chelsea and the opportunity, we thought Chelsea made perfect sense,” Weaver said. “We really think we’re really able to meet the needs of the growing community we serve.”

According to Wilson, Chelsea Mayor Earl Niven and Chelsea Fire Chief Wayne Shirley said Chelsea needed more medical services.

“They’ve been asking for us to come over there for some time,” Wilson said. “We purchased land a few years ago, and talked with them about what they would need.”

In addition to Lamberson’s primary care services, other medical practitioners moved close to the health center to provide centralized services for the community. Snider’s Discount Pharmacy, Chiropractor Ben Smith and Birmingham Medical Alliance, a medical supply company, moved to the location of the health center.

Weaver also said she is working with other specialists, such as cardiologists, ENTs and orthopedists to serve the Chelsea community. She said a list of specialists would be available in September.

Chelsea resident Chris Price, administrative director of operations for Shelby Baptist Medical Center, said he only hears positive feedback from his neighbors.

“Mayor Niven says often his goal is growing the resources of the community and commercial offerings of the community so more people can rely on Chelsea instead of going over the mountain. Being a resident, I agree with that wholeheartedly,” Price said.

“I’ve been a part of several openings and ribbon cuttings (with Shelby Baptist), but this one’s personal. It’s right in my backyard,” Price added. I can hardly get through Walmart without people asking me what’s going on. It just shows there’s a need there. More than just growing our businesses and market share, there’s a need.”

A family fun event will be held on Aug. 12 from 2-4 p.m. at the health center. Weaver said the event will be held for the community to tour the clinic and see what the center has to offer.

Lamberson’s family practice is open weekdays from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. For more information, call the clinic at 678-2688.