History
In 1979, Benson Area Medical Center (BAMC) was formed as a result of a grassroots community movement to address the shortage of physicians in southern Johnston County. This community-owned nonprofit is a primary health center that serves the residents of Johnston, Harnett and Sampson Counties.
The facility was originally housed in what is now the Benson Parks and Recreation building on Johnson Street. In 2002, the current facility located at 3333 NC Hwy 242 N was purchased and renovated with a loan and a grant from the USDA-Rural Development. With completion of an expansion project in early 2011, we operated in 12,700 square feet of finished space. With an expansion in 2016, we completed the use of the 15,000 square foot building with larger conference/educational space and expanded lab space.
After 40 years of service, on June 1, 2020, the board of directors and leadership team announced that BAMC would change its name to Benson Health. The new branding is designed to represent the organization now and carry it into the future, allowing room for growth and expansion of services. Along with the name change is a logo change to visually represent that we are an up-to-date medical facility with a fresh outlook on providing quality healthcare. The new logo incorporates the tagline of ‘Primary Care for Everyone.’ The tagline is a strong, simple statement of exactly what we offer – primary healthcare for people of all demographics, including all ages, backgrounds, economic statuses – literally everyone.
With 10 providers, including a clinical pharmacist, we serve more than 12,000 patients and provide more than 31,000 patient visits each year. We offer primary care, lab, x-ray, and clinical pharmacy services on site.
We look forward to serving you and your family for many years to come.
In Memoriam
Elaine Jackson Todd: Advocate and Friend (1961-2018)
Devoted. Passionate. Involved. Elaine Todd was a woman of action. She saw a need and worked to fill it. She cared about her community and led a life of dedicated service to others. Elaine used her skills and talents on several local boards and committees, including serving from 2012 to 2018 as the second board chair in Benson Area Medical Center’s history. Focused on the mission of BAMC to provide quality healthcare to the community, she led a capital campaign that raised more than $300,000, and during her tenure, the Center refinanced its mortgage to save more than $100,000.
Elaine also understood the importance of developing people and helping them to be the best they could be. She led by example and attended board development workshops offered by the Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Foundation. In addition, during her term as chair, BAMC applied for and was accepted to the BCBS Foundation’s Nonprofit Leadership Academy.
Her efforts did not go unnoticed. The North Carolina Office of Rural Health recognized her numerous contributions to BAMC and honored her as the 2017 Board Chair of the Year.
In October 2018, the BAMC Board of Directors surprised Elaine with an original piece of artwork in appreciation of her countless hours of dedicated service. When you are in the BAMC lobby, take a look at that artwork hanging there and remember Elaine – her passion for helping people, her steadfast service, and her tenacious spirit.
