Steve Clapp, President/CEO of Curae Health (http://www.curaehealth.org/leadership-board-of-directors/), a Tennessee not for profit company announced last Friday the company’s plan to close Lakeland Hospital in Haleyville December 31. This unexpected announcement created a shock wave through the community. City Hall was packed Monday night at the regular council meeting as several citizens and doctors gave many reasons why the hospital should stay open.

Tuesday afternoon the reasons for the closing were presented in the form of a power point presentation by Mr. Clapp. It was basically an economic decision. Income did not match the expenses including debt retirement. Lakeland is one of three hospitals in NW Alabama owned by Curae. Russellville and Winfield, both larger facilities, will remain open. Mr. Clapp was asked if closing Lakeland would benefit the other two hospitals. Not intentionally was the reply. Many questions were raised, but the biggest and reoccurring question was what can be done, if anything, about keeping the hospital open.

Congressman Robert Aderholt was present and promised all the support he could give, including attempting to get an extension on a USDA loan to extend the closure in order to find a solution. Aderholt stated it may be possible to get a waiver on the distance requirement from other hospitals to convert to a Critical Access Hospital (CAH). Lakeland is less than one mile too close to the Hamilton Hospital, thus a waiver would be necessary to operate as a CAH.

Mayor Ken Sunseri stated other possible solutions are being explored, including finding another buyer. Mayor Sunseri has communicated with investors who were interested, but no firm offers yet. Mayor Sunseri is attempting to find a solution quick enough to avoid an actual closure and the loss of jobs at the end of December. More photos click below