Cooper Green Mercy Health Services Authority hosts ribbon-cutting for new ambulatory facility set to open early December

A new ambulatory care facility has joined the Birmingham skyline with plans to open in December 2024. Cooper Green Mercy Health Services Authority, an affiliate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham Health System, will host a ribbon-cutting Wednesday, Nov. 20, at 9 a.m.

“Given what we have accomplished over the past four years, I am confident that Cooper Green will become a national benchmark for improving the health and lives in the communities we serve,” said David Randall, CEO of Cooper Green Mercy Health Services Authority. “This goal is achievable with our team’s commitment to our patients and each other, coupled with a new home that provides more than care — it nurtures the heart and soul.”

The new Cooper Green outpatient clinic will efficiently provide modern ambulatory health care under an agreement between the Jefferson County and UAB Health System. The five-story building, located at 1509 Sixth Ave. South, is 211,000 square feet. It provides full-service outpatient care that includes primary and specialty care clinics, urgent care, physical, occupational and speech therapy, laboratory services, imaging, and a pharmacy.

“The Jefferson County Commission’s vision for managing Cooper Green is coming to fruition with this new state-of-the-art clinic,” said Jefferson County Manager Cal Markert. “Healthcare will be provided much more effectively and for years to come will serve the residents of our community in an exceptional manner.”

The Cooper Green Mercy Health Services Authority provides high-quality health care to all residents of Jefferson County, regardless of ability to pay. The new facility has added several clinical offerings and upgraded existing clinics to have a new modern space.

“This new facility enhances our ability to provide high-quality health care to Cooper Green patients and stands as the centerpiece of our commitment to service, all while the heart and soul of Cooper Green remain the outstanding, dedicated employees our patients know and trust,” said Raegan Durant, M.D., medical director for Cooper Green. “This state-of-the-art building is designed with the patient in mind, and our services are now more patient-centered than ever before. It signifies a new chapter in health care delivery, offering better access, improved care and superior outcomes for the residents of Jefferson County.”

The urgent care clinic at Cooper Green offers a separate entrance allowing patients easy access and controlled entry during extended hours. The space has designated areas for well and sick patients, as well as a casting room for minor injuries. The urgent care clinic is available to anyone in need of care.

Cooper Green will now have its own MRI machine, allowing for complete imaging in house. The in-house pharmacy allows patients to receive their medicine in a timely manner and offers a consultation room and vaccination area. The state-of-the-art rehabilitation area has an outdoor patio with multiple surfaces for patients to practice navigating everyday challenges, a low-impact water treadmill and zero G gait system. Cooper Green has an eye clinic with an optical shop to offer glasses on-site. The hematology/oncology clinic now has individual infusion bays where patients will receive treatment in a semiprivate, comfortable space with natural light and entertainment.

There are several multipurpose areas for meetings, education and training seminars, and other events for patients to connect with the community and resources. Cooper Green offers education classes for enrolled patients on topics like heart health, diabetes management and cancer screenings. One of the multipurpose spaces is The Mosley Room named in honor of long-time Cooper Green patient and advocate Maralyn Mosley.    

Art pieces from local artists are installed on the first-floor lobby to celebrate Alabama talent. Cooper Green has an outdoor walking trail for patients and employees to get moving. The walking trail is located on Sixth Avenue South and is designed to provide a safe, beautiful respite outdoors.

Urgent care is open from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and clinics are open from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. To get connected with Cooper Green, call 205-930-3377.

Cooper Green was first called Mercy Hospital when it opened in 1972 as a 319-bed acute care hospital, owned by Jefferson County and providing medical services to all residents of the county regardless of their ability to pay. In 1975, it was renamed to honor former Birmingham mayor Cooper Green. In 2012, Cooper Green transitioned from an inpatient hospital to an outpatient clinic. Cooper Green Mercy Health Services Authority is now an affiliate of the UAB Health System.

The general contractor on the project is Brasfield & Gorrie. The architect is Gresham Smith.