See how more accessible pediatric care is shaping stronger kids + communities

Many know the scramble parents face balancing work, school and traffic to get their child to the doctor. In Birmingham’s West End, Fairfield and nearby neighborhoods, a check-up can mean hours on the bus, rides that fall through or tough choices between a paycheck and medical care.

For many families in these neighborhoods, that “inconvenience” is something else entirely: These barriers to pediatric care can make it impossible to get kids the care they need without losing pay. What’s a temporary hassle in one ZIP code becomes a lifelong health risk in another—often just a short drive apart.

The good news: neighbors and local organizations, like Cahaba Medical Care, are working together to remove those barriers so every child can grow up healthy and thriving.

Read on to see how they’re making healthcare more accessible and the services they provide.

Where barriers to care meet compassion 

There’s a reason Cahaba’s providers stand out: They don’t just see symptoms, they see each child, each family and the full story behind them. By listening first, they uncover what stands in the way of care and bring solutions closer to home, because every child deserves the chance to grow up healthy, regardless of their ZIP code.

That’s why Cahaba puts health centers where they’re needed most—within neighborhoods and even inside schools—making care close, familiar and part of everyday life. It’s a model that transforms healthcare from something distant and stressful into something accessible, personal and deeply connected to the community.

Whether it’s placing Health Centers in schools, offering evening appointments or creating space for the whole family to be seen in one visit, the goal is simple: Remove the barriers so kids can get the care they deserve and families can feel supported, heard and valued.

“Literally anyone can come in and get top-quality care. We offer full-service primary care pediatrics at all of our locations. We’re here for every child—whether it’s for a newborn checkup, managing a chronic condition, immunizations or a sick visit.”

Dr. Ashley Evans, Pediatrician, Cahaba Medical Care

Closing the access gap through school-based health centers

In both Jefferson and Bibb Counties, Cahaba operates School-Based Health Centers inside elementary, middle and high schools, allowing them to meet kids where they already spend most of their day.

This means no long ride across town, no scrambling for transportation and no parent missing time at work. A student can get a check-up in the morning, be back in class before lunch and keep learning without missing a beat. These clinics also support teachers and staff, strengthening the entire school community.

Dr. Evans says these centers change the game for families:

“Most organizations don’t have school-based clinics like we do. We even provide free sports physicals, with hundreds of kids coming through each year during our two-week summer window. It’s not just about clearing them for sports—it’s an opportunity to identify health concerns early and connect kids to the care they need.”

Dr. Ashley Evans, Pediatrician, Cahaba Medical Care

Cahaba Medical reaches rural communities

While Cahaba serves Birmingham’s urban areas, it also reaches rural communities where the nearest pediatrician can be an hour away. With over 40% of Alabamians in rural areas and many counties lacking pediatric or maternal care, Cahaba intentionally places health centers in areas like Bibb County, Marion and Camden, bringing care within reach for families who previously had to travel more than 30 miles for a doctor’s visit.

Shaping kids’ futures with more than medicine

Cahaba’s comprehensive pediatric services include:

• Well-child checkups + immunizations
• Chronic disease management for conditions like asthma + diabetes
• Developmental screenings + early intervention referrals
• Mental health support for children + adolescents
• Sports + school physicals
• Preventive education for families

Healthy kids build healthy communities, and every checkup, vaccination and early diagnosis shapes their future—and Alabama’s. Cahaba’s pediatric care ensures equity by connecting families, schools and providers so no child is left without the care they need.

“We’re not just treating illnesses. We’re building relationships, supporting families and helping kids thrive.”

Dr. Ashley Evans, Pediatrician, Cahaba Medical Care

Learn more about Cahaba’s pediatric care and support their mission to help kids and families by visiting their website.