Partnership to Bring Freestanding Emergency Department to Jacksonville Enters Next Phase
RMC has filed an LOI with the CON review board for construction on Jax State's campus
Jacksonville, AL (12/09/2025) — The Health Care Authority of the City of Anniston (RMC), Jacksonville State University (Jax State), the City of Jacksonville, and Developer Solutions and Facilities Development Company (DSF) are working collaboratively to expand emergency healthcare for the citizens of Jacksonville and surrounding areas by moving forward with plans to construct a free-standing emergency department (FED) within the City of Jacksonville.
On Nov. 5, 2025, RMC filed a formal Letter of Intent (LOI) with the Alabama Certificate of Need (CON) Review Board for the construction of a Freestanding Emergency Department on Jax State's campus in Jacksonville, AL. Mayor Jones and the Jacksonville City Council have welcomed the project's progress and the partnership between RMC and Jax State that continues to strengthen the Jacksonville community.
"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," said Mayor of Jacksonville Mark Jones. "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."
This partnership represents a significant investment in the health and well-being of Jacksonville residents, as well as a major enhancement to emergency and primary care access for Jacksonville State's faculty, staff, and students.
Jax State is uniquely positioned to help bring this project to life. The university's long-standing partnership with RMC, particularly through the Jax State College of Health Professions and Wellness, has created valuable opportunities for hands-on training and collaboration in a fast-paced and real-world clinical setting.
A portion of this proposed 17,000-square-foot facility would relocate the RMC Student Health Center at Jax State from its current location on the south side of Jacksonville to a wing of the new construction. The site is set to be located directly across Highway 21 from Hugh Merrill Hall on the north side of campus, the plot adjacent to the previously announced new Jacksonville Fire Station #2.
"This project is another example of what can happen when Jax State, RMC, and the City of Jacksonville work together toward a shared goal," said Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr., President of Jacksonville State University. "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."
RMC leaders echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the project's importance in meeting the growing demand for emergency care across Calhoun County.
"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," said Keith Parrott, President of Regional Medical Center.
In addition to supporting this improvement in emergency care, the Board of Regional Medical Center has not only approved this venture but also a $7M capital budget for FY2026 to continue advancing patient care and safety across all RMC Health System campuses.
The project will undergo state review through the Alabama CON Board. The estimated construction time, including approvals, design, and construction, is projected to take 20-24 months, with an anticipated completion in Spring 2028.
"We are excited about the opportunity to fill an important gap in patient care and provide better healthcare access to the people of Jacksonville and surrounding communities with this Free-Standing Emergency Department," says Parrott. "I am deeply grateful for the support and collaboration of Jacksonville's former Mayor Johnny Smith, current Mayor Mark Jones, City Council President Terry Wilson, and Dr. Killingsworth of Jax State. Their combined efforts have been instrumental in advancing RMC's vision to expand emergency care access for the community and strengthen primary care services for Jax State."
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