Mayo — A crowd gathered outside the newly opened Doctors' Memorial Family Medicine in Mayo on Jan. 12 for the facility’s grand opening.

Richard Huth, CEO of Doctors’ Memorial Hospital, spoke to a gathered crowd at the facility located at 117 SW Virginia Circle in Mayo. With him were Aquilla Hanson, chairman of the board of directors of DMH, board member Dewayne Lanier and other DMH personnel.

After the ceremonial ribbon cutting, Huth introduced providers and staff that includes Dr. Tae Yu, D.O.; Marla Driver and Kimberly Jackson, ARNPs; Karen Tidwell, clinic manager; Tennille Hamlin and Crystal Stamps, receptionists; Barbara Lancaster and Ronda Herring, LPNs.

Local officials were honored at the ceremony and Huth thanked them for their contributions to the project, including Ricky Lyons, clerk of court.

“He had a huge part in this endeavor,” Huth said.

Also honored were the city of Mayo, Sheriff Brian Lamb and the entire board of county commissioners; Gail Garrard, Lance Lamb, Curtis “Donnie” Hamlin, T. Jack Byrd and Earnest Jones, chairman.

Huth also recognized the project contractor, Hal Lynch, architect Will Rutherford, Marcus Calhoun from county maintenance, and many others who had a part in the project.

On behalf of the county commissioners, Garrard accepted a community service award from Huth in recognition and appreciation for the board's outstanding support of Doctors' Memorial Family Medicine and the citizens of Lafayette County.

“We're very pleased to be here,” said Huth. “The mission of the hospital is to be a tri-county hospital. Lafayette County is an important piece of that.”

After the ceremony everyone was invited inside and taken on a tour of the facilities.

DMHFM was formerly located on the corner of US 51 and Main Street in downtown Mayo, across from the courthouse, but they outgrew that building, which used to be a gas station that was converted into a doctor's office. It had only three exam rooms.

Their new medical clinic is the same structure that used to house the old dental clinic. The building was completely gutted and remodeled inside to accommodate its new tenants. Aside from the unique exterior architecture, the modern décor and warm hues of the interior suggest a friendly, family atmosphere with a large waiting room, nine exam rooms, offices and a generous employee lounge.

With the extra space, plans are to bring in a general surgeon and pediatrician to add to the staff.

“One of the missions of the hospital is to improve the healthcare of the citizens of Lafayette County,” said Huth. “So we are very proud and honored to have this new building.”

For more information call DMHFM at 386-294-2475.