Nation's Urgent Care Leader Marks Milestone by Giving Back

BIRMINGHAM, AL / ACCESSWIRE / June 6, 2022 / It is with immense pride that American Family Care (AFC), the nation's leading provider of urgent care, occupational medicine, and primary care, marks 40 years of caring for American families.

The company's story began in 1979 when Dr. Bruce Irwin was working as an emergency room physician. He realized many of the people he was treating could be cared for in a less expensive and more convenient manner. His concept: a stand-alone facility equipped and staffed like an emergency room, located in neighborhoods, with extended hours and no need for appointments.

In 1982, he put his idea into action and opened the first American Family Care in Birmingham, Alabama, and sparked a healthcare revolution that continues today. AFC estimates it has provided quality care for more than 35 million patients in its 40-year history.

"We are thrilled to mark such a major milestone and to celebrate all the accomplishments AFC has had in the past four decades," said Dr. Bruce Irwin, Founder and CEO of American Family Care. "We are so proud of our history and excited about our future. As we continue to expand, we will reach even more people who need affordable and accessible healthcare. We also provide more people with the opportunity to own their own business through our AFC franchise model which, in turn, provides jobs and economic growth to communities across the country."

Anniversary Donation Plan

As part of its plan to celebrate 40 years of caring for American families, AFC is proud to support the American Heart Association's "Life is Why" campaign by making a donation in honor of the patients AFC provides care for from June 14 through July 14.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States - killing one person every 36 seconds, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The medical providers at AFC encourage everyone to make their health a priority. While the clinics are a great resource for acute care needs that arise, they also serve as an affordable and easily accessible alternative to often overloaded primary care offices. The public can visit an AFC clinic without an appointment for a wellness checkup to learn their personal health numbers, including blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and body mass index, which are crucial for heart health.

"For the past 40 years, American Family Care has had a strong commitment to providing quality healthcare to the communities we serve, which is why it was a natural decision to support the American Heart Association. Like AFC, they advocate for healthier communities," says Dr. Irwin. "As a company, we are proud to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease and fund research that will enable us all to live longer, healthier lives and make a difference that can help so many."

Eye on the Future

AFC is considered one of the nation's fastest-growing healthcare networks, with over 280 clinics across 28 states. The company expects to open more than 45 new locations before the end of the year.

The brand ranks as the No. 1 urgent care franchise opportunity on the Entrepreneur Franchise 500, its ninth consecutive year on the coveted list.

The strength and resiliency of AFC was on full display during the pandemic, which solidified the brand as an essential component in the healthcare system.

AFC was the first health care provider in the country to provide the initial rapid COVID-19 tests.

To ease patient fears about in-person doctor visits during the pandemic, AFC quickly launched a telemedicine resource, which allowed many medical providers in the American Family Care nationwide network of healthcare clinics to provide virtual visits to patients. This included assessment/screening of COVID-19 symptoms or any other healthcare problems, such as acute illnesses and trauma, help with managing chronic illness, and prescription medication as needed, all from the safety of their home.

"AFC was built on an instinct for change. We continue to evolve and do what's best for our patients," says Dr. Irwin. "The mark of a thriving brand is one that combines its proven history with an exciting vision for what's ahead. Thanks to our incredible corporate team, wonderful franchise owners, and the dedicated medical professionals throughout our system, I'm confident AFC will continue to be the change healthcare needs for the next forty years and beyond."

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Nancy Bostrom nbostrom@919marketing.com 919-459-8163

Sue Yannello syannello@919marketing.com 919-459-8162

About American Family Care:

Founded by Dr. Bruce Irwin with a single location in 1982, American Family Care has pioneered the concept of convenient, patient-centric healthcare. Today, with more than 250 clinics and 800 in-network providers caring for nearly 4 million patients a year, AFC is the nation's leading provider of urgent care and occupational medicine. Ranked by Inc. magazine as one of the fastest-growing companies in the United States, AFC's stated mission is to provide the best healthcare possible, in a kind and caring environment, while respecting the rights of all patients, in an economical manner, at times and locations convenient to the patient. For more information, visit www.AmericanFamilyCare.com.

SOURCE: American Family Care