Huntsville-based Thrive Alabama is expanding its North Alabama footprint with a new federally qualified health center in Albertville aimed at increasing access to primary care in the region.

Thrive Alabama was one of 158 organizations nationwide selected for a New Access Point grant as part of a $102 million investment by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to expand the National Health Center Program.

The grants were selected from a pool of 655 applicants.

The new Albertville health center will allow Thrive Alabama to provide services closer to existing clients while also accepting new patients in the area.

“We are thrilled to be awarded funding to serve new patients in Albertville,” Thrive Alabama CEO Mary Elizabeth Marr said. “The rural communities in North Alabama are in desperate need of primary care providers.”

Marr said additional information, including an opening date for the new location, will be announced soon.

As a federally qualified health center, Thrive Alabama provides primary and preventive health care along with behavioral health and other support services. The organization said community health centers also play an important role in preventing and managing chronic diseases, particularly in areas with limited access to providers.

Thrive Alabama is a nonprofit headquartered in Huntsville and currently operates seven offices there, along with satellite locations in Florence and Albertville.

Its services include adult primary care, pediatrics, behavioral health and health education, as well as transportation assistance and case management.

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