History and Status of the Bayou La Batre Area Health Development Board, Inc. designated Federal Qualified Health Center (FQHC).

The Bayou La Batre Area Health Development Board, Inc. first received federal 330 funding 30 years ago and has provided uninterrupted services to the target area and populations since that time. BLBAHDB was incorporated on February 2, 1978 as a private, 501-C3 non-profit corporation in order to bring medical manpower and services to Bayou La Batre, a medically undeserved area in South Mobile County, Alabama. Service originated with 1 medical provider and five support staff members.

Initially, medical services were provided only in Bayou La Bare at the main clinic site. In May 1985, the Public Health Service in Atlanta, Georgia asked BLBAHDB to become the grantee for an existing, operationally troubled FQHC in McIntosh, Washington County, Al. As a result, Washington Co. was added to the scope of project. Further expansion occurred in 1995, when BLBADHB added a pediatric dental clinic and oral health services in Bayou La Batre.

In 2005, BLBAHDB became accredited by (JCAHO) achieving a long-term goal of the corporate Strategic Plan. BLBAHDB met all HIPAA program deadlines well before the due dates, and continues to ensue compliance with regulations. Today, over 90 people are employed as a result of solid, well planned growth over the years.