By Haley Mitchell Godwin

Crenshaw Community Hospital held an open house May 30 at 2 p.m. The event was an unveiling of the hospital’s new radiology equipment, provided through efforts of the City of Luverne and the Crenshaw County Commission.

Community members, city and county officials and hospital leadership gathered to discuss how the advanced tools will enhance the hospital’s mission and benefit the community.

Dr. Charles Tompkins, chairperson of the medical staff at Crenshaw Community Hospital, stressed the impact of the new equipment on patient care.

“This is an important day,” Tompkins said. “Thanks to this new technology, we can now obtain much higher quality images in a timelier manner.”

Tompkins highlighted the challenge of transferring patients to larger hospitals in Montgomery or Dothan. The hospitals, he explained, often operate at full capacity. However, the new equipment will reduce the need for transfers.

“This new equipment will help save more lives and provide proper care for patients in all situations by allowing us to do more locally. We’ve really been without adequate X-ray capabilities for nearly two years, relying on portable equipment.”

“Now, with the new radiology room, we can provide better care for our patients, especially in the emergency room. With the new CT machine, we can better care for trauma patients, those with suspected strokes and perform screenings for heart disease.”

The radiology department’s upgrades include a 128-slice GE CT scanner, digital X-ray equipment, fluoroscopy devices and a new contrast injector. District Four Commissioner Stallion Sasser noted the significance of these additions.

“This is a game changer for all citizens of Crenshaw County and for the surrounding counties,” Sasser said. “We are blessed to have this hospital, especially in a rural area with a population of only 13,000. This new equipment is a lifesaving addition and is vital to our citizens and their health. People won’t have to travel over an hour away and with issues like heart attacks or heart issues, and now we can catch things early and prevent more medical emergencies for the patients that come here.”

Sasser highlighted the hospital’s strategic location on the main route to the Gulf Coast, stressing the importance of having quality services and equipment due to the increased traffic. He encouraged the public to visit the hospital’s website to explore its offerings.

Luverne City councilperson Elliott Jones attributed the success of this project to effective collaboration between city and county leaders.

“This is proof of what can be achieved when local governing bodies work together for the betterment of our community,” Jones said.

Crenshaw Community Hospital CEO David Hughes acknowledged the financial struggles of rural health care facilities but celebrated the day as a positive milestone.

“By working with the city and the county, we secured brand-new digital radiology and state-of-the-art CT equipment, comparable to what is available in Montgomery and Dothan,” Hughes said. “We extend our gratitude to the City of Luverne and the Crenshaw County Commission.”

Hughes thanked the town council, hospital board, Tompkins, who spearheaded the project, and all those involved with the project. Plaques were presented to the City of Luverne and the Crenshaw County Commission in appreciation of their commitment to the hospital.
Luverne Mayor Ed Beasley praised the cooperation from the County Commission.

“It’s a much-needed thing for a rural hospital, especially one that’s basically 50 miles from a major hospital,” Beasley said.
Andy Kimbro, chairman of the Crenshaw County Health Care Board, acknowledged the significant milestone in gaining the new equipment and highlighted the hospital’s staff as its greatest asset.

“The employees here are second to none,” Kimbro said. “They are the reason the hospital is still here today. We’re very thankful and appreciative of the employees who make this hospital a success.”

Crenshaw Community Hospital, licensed for 65 beds, offers medical, surgical, behavioral health and emergency services, along with a Rural Health Clinic. The hospital has an estimated $30.6 million economic impact on the area.