What began in 1923 as a 55-bed hospital founded by Benjamin Russell to serve employees of Russell Manufacturing and local residents, has grown into one of Alabama’s most respected healthcare providers.
1923: Russell Hospital opens on Lee Street in Alexander City, offering general medical, surgical, and obstetrical care.
Mr. Benjamin Russell
Mrs. Elisabeth Russell (Mrs. J.C.) Alison
1923: Russell Hospital opens on Lee Street in Alexander City, offering general medical, surgical, and obstetrical care.
1925–1950s: Early leadership, including Dr. James Chapman and Miss Maysie McWilliams, set the foundation for quality care and nurse training.
1941–1948: Hospital expansions add private rooms, pediatrics, and a free clinic for Russell employees.
1959: Achieves Joint Commission accreditation and transitions to Russell Hospital Corporation, beginning plans for a modern facility.
1965: The hospital moves to its current location on U.S. Highway 280, opening a 100-bed, four-story facility to meet regional demand.
1977-2008: Multiple expansions add specialized services, including ambulatory surgery, private rooms, ICU upgrades, and a cardiac cath lab.
1996: Renamed Russell Medical Center to reflect a broader, more advanced continuum of care.
2001–2004: Opening of Russell Medical Cancer Center, Sleep Disorders Center, and Total Fitness rehabilitation complex.
Russell Hospital
Total Healthcare and Urgent Care
2011: Launch of Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine, and installation of the da Vinci® Robotic Surgical System.
2012: Strategic partnership formed with UAB Medicine - establishing the UAB Medicine - Russell Medical Cancer Center.
2015–2017: Rural Health Clinics and expanded outpatient care facilities open, including a new Urgent Care and Total Healthcare on campus.
2018: The campus grows with the addition of The Mill 280, a community event space revitalized from a historic Russell building.
2019: Opening of the Transitional Care Unit, supporting patients recovering from illness, injury, or surgery.
2019–2020: Russell Medical formally joins the UAB Health System under a management agreement, deepening its connection to world-class expertise and specialty care.
2024–2025: Opening of the Benjamin Russell Center for Advanced Care and Sterling Gate Senior Living Community.
Russell Medical Cancer Center
Today, Russell Medical continues to grow with innovation and compassion - staying true to our promise to deliver the care our community deserves.
