In March of 2025, he opened offices to patients with his return to private practice in Vincent.
And by the first week of May this year, Dr. Rock Helms stood in the large waiting room of a brand-new clinic in his name in Pell City, adding another location for delivering medical care to patients both new and old.
Friday, May 1, was the day to celebrate the opening of Helms Healthcare in Pell City — and it was a day for happy reunions, too. Helms made his way through the crowd of friends and patients waiting to have their personal welcomes and “hellos,” his smile never fading.
“I love everything about him,” said 15-year patient Mary Jane Bishop. “His compassion, and his love for his patients.”
Bishop was one of many who came to the new offices located at 1310 Goodgame Parkway for the official welcome and grand opening.
With the celebrations done, Helms began seeing patients at the clinic the following Monday. The 7,500-square-foot facility provides full lab services, a phlebotomy area, X-ray, ultrasound and CT services. It also has an infusion suite.
The Vincent location at 131 Florey Street will remain in full service; there Helms works with a staff of certified nurse practitioners, registered nurses, X-ray technicians, medical assistants, billing and coding professionals and administrative staff. Hours for the Vincent location are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. with walk-ins taken from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m.
The Pell City hours are from 8 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Sunday, from 1-6 p.m.
By Laura Nation, The St. Clair Times