Executive Vice President of Regional Hospital Operations, Sam Dean began the recent 1st Annual State of Healthcare Address. Dean explained that in 2021 Highlands Medical Center officially became part of the HH (Huntsville Hospital) Health System.
Success in Jackson County strengthens the entire health system by improving patient outcomes through coordinated care; enhancing operational efficiencies by sharing costly resources; driving innovation that benefits all rural communities served by the system; and improving facilities.

In the last year, HH Health System provided $171.39 million in uncompensated care regionally. Highlands Medical Center provided $15 million in uncompensated care right here in Jackson County.

Jackson County is in a path of growth and is positioned for regional expansion from Huntsville. The projected growth is expected to be 65,000 to 70,000 by 2024. To prepare for this the HH Health System is working to provide stronger healthcare access, expanding services without the need to travel to Huntsville and provide better equipped facilities, including emergency and specialty care. Huntsville Hospital has invested over $14.5 million in capital since Highlands joined the health system including security upgrades, physician recruitment and updated medical equipment. These investments will enhance infrastructure for better patient care and help prevent workplace violence to ensure a safe environment for staff and patients. They will also continue their ongoing physician recruitment efforts to bring skilled, compassionate providers to serve our community.

Dean stated that rural healthcare in Alabama is hard due to high costs, federal government cuts, and the fight for commercial insurers for fair pay.

John Howell, President of Emergency Medical Services with Huntsville Hospital, also spoke.

Howell said there were 125 ambulances in the Huntsville Hospital system’s EMS fleet that traveled over four million miles per year, 11,000 per day, with over 170,000 calls per year, averaging 465 per day. Each ambulance was tracked with GPS.

Howell said Highlands EMS has nine ambulances in their fleet. Those nine ambulances travel 344,716 miles per year, averaging 944 per day. 10,000 calls for service are answered each year by this fleet. He said HH invested in two new ambulances last year, with an additional new ambulance coming soon. Within the next two years, he estimated all of the ambulances with Highlands to be within two to three years old. Huntsville Hospital has also invested in centralized fleet maintenance, including four full-time maintenance technicians. With this addition, a typical engine replacement can be completed within four days, repairing and maintaining ambulances faster than any external vendor.

“Chris Hawes and his team and Highlands EMS do a great job for this community and Jackson County,” Howell said. “We just want to support that and we want to help them continue to deliver great emergency medical care because EMS is one of those facets of healthcare that you never really think of until you need it.”

Ashley Pool, President of Highlands Medical Center, ended the 1st Annual State of Healthcare address. “I had a vision of hosting a State of Healthcare Address and with the support of the Chamber, that vision has come to life,” Poole said. “My hope was to bring together, not just healthcare professionals or community leaders, but neighbors, people who care deeply about the well-being of our families, our friends and our future.” Poole recognized first responders in Jackson County. This includes three fire stations in Scottsboro; 14 volunteer fire departments throughout Jackson County; five EMS stations, located in Scottsboro, Bridgeport, Pisgah, Skyline and Higdon; and the Air Evac Lifeteam. Poole stated that thanks to Chris Hawes, they were able to identify a critical need in the county and provide 23 go-bags to the fire stations in Jackson County. The go-bags were filled with critical tools like tourniquets, gauze and airway supplies. Poole recognized Jackson County’s EMA Director, Joshua Whitcom, for his help with an emergency response plan for any emergency situation.

Poole stated that Jackson County has five primary care clinics affiliated with Highlands Medical Center; six clinics that serve the county; and 11 clinics that serve Scottsboro.

Poole said there are six specialty clinics affiliated with Highlands Medical Center and 19 that serve the City of Scottsboro. These clinics include physicians, nurse practitioners, chiropractors, physical therapists, speech therapists and podiatrists who specialize in wound care, pediatrics, ENT, general surgery, OBGYN, orthopedics, sleep, dermatology, aesthetics and weight loss. Poole hopes to help expand this list of specialty services.

Poole stated rehabilitation assisted living, memory care and long term care were essential in our community. She went on to say that she said Highlands Care Center, Cloverdale Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Cumberland Care Center, Rosewood Manor, Southern Estates and As Close As Family all make a real impact on the community in caring for aging loved ones.
Poole stated that the HH Health System is a proud partner of the Veterans Home Care Vet Assist Program. She recognized in-home and hospice providers for the preservation of quality of life and emotional support for patients and their families.

Poole spoke regarding the challenges Jackson County faces with mental health care. She said Mountain Lakes Behavioral Health served as the cornerstone of mental healthcare in Jackson County.

Poole stated, “Mental health is a vital part of our community and while we still face gaps, we are grateful for the people and organizations working tirelessly to support the emotional and psychological wellbeing of those we serve.”

Poole explained that there are five pharmacies that served Scottsboro and eight pharmacies that serve Jackson County.

Poole stated that on of the great strengths of Jackson County includes its commitment to workforce development and community leadership and growth. She said collaboration with Northeast Alabama Community College, Scottsboro High School and Kevin Dukes Career and Innovation Academy helped give students access the tools they need to pursue careers in healthcare.

Poole explained that Jackson County is facing challenges involving staffing, financial pressures and improvement of patient experiences.

“Delivering an exceptional patient care experience consistently, especially amid staffing shortages and financial constraints, remains one of the toughest challenges we face,” Poole stated. “These aren’t problems with quick fixes, but they’re also not problems we face alone. Across Jackson County, we’re stronger when we collaborate, share resources and focus on long-term solutions that work for real communities like ours.”

“The future of healthcare in Jackson County is not just a hope. It’s a shared commitment and it’s already in motion. It’s up to us to keep it moving,” Poole said. “Jackson County is growing, our hospital is growing and our potential is growing right alongside it. Together, let’s continue building a system of care that reflects the heart, the strength and the beauty of the place we are so proud to call home.”