CARROLTON, Alabama (WBRC) – A crowd calling for the reopening of Pickens County Medical Center was filled to standing room at a town hall meeting in Carrolton on Thursday.
This has been a major problem in Pickens County since the medical center closed four years ago. When you talk to the people who live there, you know it’s a matter of life and death.
Residents heard testimony from members of the hospital board and other state and local leaders who discussed the issues that led to the hospital’s closure in 2020, including reduced federal funding, lower reimbursements from private payers and a high rate of uninsured patients.
Since the closure, there has been a concerted effort to reopen the emergency room, but according to the mayor of Carrolton, it could cost at least $10 million. Officials have heard a lot from residents who want to reopen their hospital.
“I hope you understand my great concern because if I have to wait for an ambulance I will lose valuable time and by the time I get there it will be like last time. I am dead and I hope they can resuscitate me,” said a worried resident.
“Pickens County Medical Center closed in 2020. It’s 2024. Why did the board wait so long to explain this to us? I mean, why?” said another resident.
“You know this is important to us. We’re doing what we can. And we’re giving everything we have,” said Shawn McDaniel, chairman of the Pickens County Medical Center Board.
Members of Congress’ staff also attended the town hall meeting.
McDaniel told the crowd that the hospital issue is all about sustainability. Ultimately, it comes down to money. The mayor and others said they will continue the fight to reopen this hospital.
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