MOBILE, Ala. — Franklin Primary Health Center is proud to recognize Pamela Battiste, a member of Franklin’s Board of Directors, as the recipient of the Alabama Primary Health Care Association’s (APHCA) Board Member of the Year Award.

The award recognizes exceptional service and leadership by a community health center board member whose involvement extends beyond the traditional responsibilities of governance. Board members play an important role in providing organizational oversight, supporting the mission of community health centers, advocating for the patients and communities they serve, and helping strengthen the long-term sustainability of their organizations.

Mrs. Battiste’s selection reflects her commitment to those responsibilities as well as her active involvement in advancing Franklin Primary Health Center’s mission. Since joining Franklin’s Board of Directors in August 2025, she has supported the organization through community engagement, advocacy, and philanthropic outreach.

A significant part of her contribution has been her ability to connect Franklin with individuals, businesses, and community partners willing to financially support the organization’s work. Through her outreach and relationship-building efforts, Mrs. Battiste has helped secure more than $78,000 in charitable contributions for Franklin Primary Health Center. These contributions have supported Franklin’s broader fundraising efforts and initiatives designed to expand access to healthcare and strengthen services for the communities Franklin serves.

Franklin’s fundraising initiatives include efforts such as the Franklin Buskey Golf Tournament and the Franklin Buskey Gala, which bring together community partners, sponsors and supporters to invest in the health needs of Southwest Alabama. Proceeds from both events were designated for the Franklin Buskey Health Equity Fund, which supports specialty care services that are not otherwise offered or provided by Franklin.

Her involvement represents an important part of that philanthropic work. By helping cultivate relationships with donors and encouraging charitable support for Franklin, Mrs. Battiste has helped generate resources that can be reinvested in programs and services intended to address unmet healthcare needs throughout the region.

“Mrs. Battiste exemplifies the kind of leadership and commitment that strengthens not only Franklin Primary Health Center, but the entire community we serve,” said Charles White, Chief Executive Officer of Franklin Primary Health Center. “She has embraced her role as a board member with tremendous energy and purpose, using her relationships throughout the community to build meaningful partnerships and generate significant financial support for our mission. Her efforts have helped create additional opportunities for Franklin to expand access to care and address the healthcare needs of some of our most vulnerable communities. We are extremely proud of Pamela and grateful for the dedication, advocacy, and leadership she brings to Franklin.”

In addition to her service to Franklin, Mrs. Battiste brings extensive professional and community experience to the Board. A longtime Mobile County resident, she is a graduate of Mattie T. Blount High School and the University of Mobile. She currently serves as Office Manager for the Mobile County Legislative Delegation, where she oversees daily office operations and works closely with legislators representing Mobile and Baldwin counties.

Her professional experience, community relationships and commitment to service have provided valuable perspective in her role as a Franklin board member. Mrs. Battiste has remained actively engaged in supporting Franklin’s priorities while serving as an advocate for the organization and the patients and communities it serves.

Franklin Primary Health Center congratulates Mrs. Battiste on this distinguished recognition and expresses its appreciation for her leadership, generosity of service and continued commitment to advancing Franklin’s mission of providing accessible, high-quality healthcare to the communities of Southwest Alabama.

Photo Caption: Pictured left to right: Charles White, Chief Executive Officer of Franklin Primary Health Center, and Pamela Battiste, Franklin Board of Directors member and recipient of the Alabama Primary Health Care Association’s (APHCA) Board Member of the Year Award.

About Franklin Primary Health Center

Franklin Primary Health Center is committed to providing accessible, high-quality healthcare to individuals and families throughout Southwest Alabama, with a focus on meeting community healthcare needs and improving access to care.