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About Us

Red Bay Hospital main campus exterior building in Red Bay, Alabama

About Red Bay Hospital

Red Bay Hospital is a community-focused, nonprofit critical access hospital serving Red Bay, Franklin County, and the surrounding areas of Northwest Alabama. As part of Helen Keller Hospital, the hospital combines the strength of a trusted regional healthcare system with the personalized attention of a local facility, ensuring patients receive quality care close to home.

Established to meet the needs of its rural community, Red Bay Hospital offers essential healthcare services supported by a dedicated team of providers and staff. With a focus on accessible, patient-centered care, the hospital provides emergency services, inpatient care, swing bed services, and a range of outpatient and diagnostic services. As an important part of the local community, Red Bay Hospital plays a vital role in supporting both the health and well-being of the residents it serves, delivering compassionate care with a commitment to excellence.

Our Mission

To provide compassionate, high-quality care close to home.

We are committed to serving our community with respect, empathy and clinical excellence.

Our Vision

To be the trusted health care provider for Northwest Alabama.

Through innovation, collaboration and patient-centered care, we strive to improve health outcomes and strengthen the communities we serve.

Our Values

  • Safety
  • Compassion
  • Integrity
  • Excellence
  • Innovation
  • Accountability
  • Diversity
  • Equity
  • Inclusion

Our Leadership

Red Bay Hospital is led by a dedicated team focused on delivering high-quality care, operational excellence, and strong community service. Hospital leadership, medical staff, and governing boards work collaboratively to support patients, caregivers, and the overall mission of Helen Keller Health.
Jeremy Gray, President of Helen Keller and Red Bay Hospitals

Kyle Buchanan

President | Helen Keller & Red Bay Hospitals
Sherry Sands

Sherry Sands

VP | Patient Services, CNO
Penny Westmoreland

Penny Westmoreland

VP | Finance, CFO
Dr. Jack McLendon

Dr. Jack McLendon

VP | Medical Affairs
Colandra Nelson

Colandra Nelson

Executive Director of Human Resources
Kery Moody

Kery Moody

Executive Director of Operations

Medical Staff Leadership

Dr. Smith

Chairman

Dr. Melvin

Vice Chairman / CC Chairman

Dr. Vacik

Secretary & Peer Review Chairman

Dr. Thompson

Department of Medicine Chairman

Dr. Randall “Bo” Mansell

Department of Surgery Chairman

Dr. Snyder

OB/GYN Chairman

Dr. Blaylock

Anesthesia Chairman

Dr. Dykes

Radiology Chairman

Dr. Strebeck

Pathology Chairman

Dr. McLendon

VP / Medical Affairs

Dr. Thompson

Hospitalist Lead

Hospital Board

  • Mr. Alford Boyd
  • Dr. Andy Mann
  • Belinda Carmichael
  • Mr. David Ruggles
  • Dr. Aaron Karr
  • Dr. Larry Holcomb
  • Dr. Mark McIlwain
  • Dr. Ryan Conner
  • Dr. Josh Vacik
  • Mr. Larry Collum
  • Mr. Steve Hargrove
  • Dr. Mark Smith
  • Keller Thompson

Northwest Alabama Health Care Authority Board

  • Mr. Alford Boyd, Jr., Chairman
  • Mr. Steve Hargrove, Vice Chairman
  • Melanie Huguley
  • Mr. Larry Collum
  • Dr. Jack McLendon
  • Mr. Tim Leigh
  • Mrs. Beth Pirtle
  • Mr. David Yarber
  • Doris Knox

Dempsey Foundation

The Red Bay Hospital Foundation, established in 1997, continues the legacy of Dr. Walker Dempsey, who played a vital role in bringing the hospital to the community in 1967 and served the area for 40 years. The Foundation is dedicated to supporting and advancing the hospital’s mission by funding initiatives that enhance patient care and strengthen the community.

Through ongoing community support, the Foundation hosts an annual dinner fundraiser each fall and a golf tournament each spring to raise funds for hospital needs and improvements. All contributions are tax-deductible and directly support care at Red Bay Hospital, helping ensure continued growth and service to the region. For more information, please contact Red Bay Hospital at 256-356-9523.

In addition to supporting hospital initiatives, the Foundation invests in the future of healthcare by offering scholarships to students pursuing careers in the medical field. Each spring, two $2,000 scholarships are awarded to eligible students from Franklin, Colbert, Tishomingo, and Itawamba Counties who are enrolled full-time and meet academic requirements.

Through generous community support, the Foundation helps fund: 

  • Hospital programs and patient care initiatives
  • Community health-focused efforts
  • Educational opportunities through healthcare scholarships
  • Ongoing support for local healthcare services

Community donations directly support high-quality care close to home and help ensure continued access to healthcare services for the Red Bay region.

Visit the Foundation

Foundation Contact Information 

For more information about the Dempsey Foundation, including donations or scholarship opportunities, please contact:

Red Bay Hospital
256-356-9523