Big Changes Ahead for Lawrence Medical Center
Gunnar Walling speaks to around 50 Lawrence Countians in a meeting regarding the future of LMC.
Update 3/26/25 9:40 AM: Added proposal to redirect tax revenue into debt service fund and estimated cost of new building.
A community meeting was held Tuesday evening at the Moulton Recreational Center to discuss the future of Lawrence Medical Center (LMC). Organized by State Representative Ernie Yarbrough, the meeting featured a discussion led by Huntsville Hospital leadership, including CEO Jeff Samz, and brought together local EMS, fire officials, and concerned residents.
Rep. Yarbrough opened with an honest assessment of the challenges facing the facility. “We have challenges, but we also have opportunities,” he said. Samz noted that one of the biggest problems is the age of the current hospital, saying it's “exorbitantly expensive” to repair and bring up to modern medical code.
Currently, a little over $1 million in tax money goes to support LMC. Much of it, according to Samz, is being spent on maintaining old buildings and services used by only a small number of residents. The hospital is also facing serious financial strain—reportedly losing $400,000 in just the past month.
Proposed Plan: A New Outpatient Facility
A key part of the conversation was a proposal to redirect current tax dollars into a building fund for a new outpatient facility. The facility would include urgent care, imaging (MRI, CT), labs, and other clinical services, focusing on the most-used and most-needed offerings.
By redirecting 60–70% of current tax revenue into a debt service fund, the plan could generate an estimated $15 million to fund the construction of the new facility. Samz stressed that “every tax dollar collected in LC will be reinvested in LC.” The aim is to ensure resources are being spent efficiently, without sacrificing access to vital health services.
Local Input: EMS and Community Care
In early conversations leading up to the meeting, Gunnar Walling—Fire Chief and Paramedic with Speake VFD—spoke with Yarbrough about how EMS services could be better trained and coordinated to get patients to the right place in a timely manner.
Hannah Stephens from Caddo Fire Department also addressed the audience, advocating for more Community Care Advocates (CCAs) to help bridge the gap between emergency care and long-term wellness. These advocates would work to educate and support residents in managing their health before emergencies arise.
What's Next for LMC?
LMC’s Emergency Room is expected to close in the coming months. However, outpatient services will continue to operate out of the current building during the transition period. The new outpatient facility is projected to be completed in the next two years. In the meantime, services will remain in place to ensure continued care.
At the end of the session, community members were invited to voice concerns or ask questions, providing a space for residents to share their thoughts and better understand what’s ahead.
As decisions move forward, leaders emphasized that the goal is not only to solve current problems but to build a more sustainable healthcare model for Lawrence County’s future.
