DeWayne Bailey’s Mission to Help Alabama’s Rural and Public Hospitals

By Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times Don’t ask DeWayne Bailey what it’s like to be named one of Birmingham’s 40 under 40, an honor bestowed by The Birmingham Business Journal (BBJ) this year on up-and-coming local professionals who have distinguished themselves in the metro area. Bailey, along with 39 others were honored at a special event in February at The Haven. “I still don’t know yet but ask me again in a few months,” Bailey said. “It’s hard to talk about myself. I’ve found myself having to do it (talking about myself) more often but it’s not something I like to do,” said Bailey. He may not like to speak about himself, but his resume certainly speaks for itself. Bailey currently serves as the Director at Alabama Rural Health Collaborative, UAB Health System, a non-profit designed to help rural and public hospitals across the state. Created in AHRC was formed by the Alabama Legislature in March 2018 to “increase access to high quality care for rural Alabamians and improve health” in the wake of hospital closure. “As the first rural hospital resource center, we have resources such as a mobile simulation which goes to all the rural hospitals and...