Rmc Fed Rendering View West 251208 Scaled E1765390635268 — Rendering of the proposed emergency department (RMC Jacksonville)

Regional Medical Center (RMC), the health care authority of the city of Anniston, has filed a formal letter of intent to begin construction on a freestanding emergency department on the Jacksonville State University campus.

The city and the university hopes this partnership will help collectively expand emergency healthcare for citizens of Jacksonville and the surrounding areas + Jax State faculty, staff and students.

“On behalf of the city of Jacksonville, we’d like to thank Jacksonville State University and Regional Medical Center for their commitment to making a free-standing emergency room become a reality for our community. This delivers on our commitment to bring quality emergency care to the people of Jacksonville, providing faster response times when seconds count. We look forward to working together on this significant project.”
Mark Jones, Jacksonville mayor

The project is a partnership between the city, Jax State, RMC and Developer Solutions and Facilities Development Company.

The facility is expected to be completed by Spring 2028.

RMC Health Center

Rmc Fed Rendering View South 251208 — Rendering of the proposed emergency department (RMC Jacksonville)

Jax State has a long-standing partnership with RMC including through the Jax State College of Health Professionals and Wellness + the RMC Student Health Center already on campus.

The new proposed facility is a 17,000-square-foot facility is expected to be located directly across Highway 21 from Hugh Merrill Hall on the north side of campus. It would become the new home of the student health center, relocating it from the opposite end of campus.

“This project is another example of what can happen when Jax State, RMC, and the City of Jacksonville work together toward a shared goal. We’re grateful for the leadership of Mayor Jones and the City of Jacksonville, and for RMC’s continued collaboration and shared commitment to addressing a critical need for expanded emergency care in our community. Together, we’re working to strengthen healthcare access for our campus and for the people of Jacksonville.”
Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr., President of Jacksonville State University

The project will next undergo state review through the Alabama CON Board. The estimated construction time, including approvals, design, and construction, is projected to take 20-24 months.

The Board of Regional Medical Center has also approved a $7M capital budget for FY2026 to continue advancing patient care and safety across all RMC Health System campuses.

“One of the most consistent pieces of feedback we’ve received from patients is about emergency department wait times. Over the past several months, we’ve made tremendous progress, reducing the time it takes for patients to see a provider by 26% and decreasing wait times for admitted patients by 29%. Our wait times are now below national averages. This new location in Jacksonville would further alleviate demand at our Anniston facility while providing faster access to high-quality care closer to home for many residents.”
Keith Parrott, President of Regional Medical Center