The Alabama-wide Health Coordination Council (SHCC) took notable steps this month to broaden health services statewide, particularly in mental health, geriatric care, and rehabilitation.

As reported by Alabama political reporter, the SHCC reviewed and approved a proposal during its June meeting.

One of the accepted plans comes from Koosa Valley Medical Center, aiming to enhance hospitalization services. This Sylacauga-based facility has been authorized to expand its geriatric psychiatry unit by adding five beds to its current 20-bed capacity, alongside 20 new adult mental health beds. This move is intended to respond to the rising demand for psychiatric care in the area, as current limitations often lead to patient transfers and prolonged stays in emergency departments.

Following the SHCC’s endorsement, the proposal now awaits the needs of the Certificate Review Committee (CONRB), which requires the final signature of Governor Kay Ivey before any action can be taken. If all goes well, the hospital will spend the next 12 months on essential renovations and contracts to secure its approved status.

Beyond expanding its own services, Coosa Valley Medical Center isn’t alone in this initiative. During the CONRB meeting on June 18th, five other healthcare facilities also received permission for projects aimed at increasing their bed capacity and expanding available services.

• Springhill Hospital in Mobile has been granted approval to add 20 inpatient rehabilitation beds to its existing 18.
• Dothan’s Health Rehabilitation Hospital will also expand, adding 10 more inpatient beds for a total of 66.
• Dominion Senior Living in Birmingham is set to develop a new specialized care facility in Mountain Brook, featuring 32 memory care beds, 98 independent living units, and 32 assisted living spaces, which are relocating from Summit Lifecare in Jefferson County.
• North Alabama Shoals Hospital has received the green light to add two inpatient adult psychiatric beds.
• Elmore County Bridgeway ABA Therapy will expand to offer physical, occupational, and speech therapy, alongside its existing behavioral analysis services.

This proposal is part of a broader effort across Alabama to enhance healthcare infrastructure, especially in mental health and elderly care, where many hospitals and patients continue to face challenges due to insufficient capacity.

All projects requiring a certificate must also get final approval from Governor Ivey before moving forward.