State senator weighs in on challenge of reopening emergency rooms in Pickens County.

PICKENS COUNTY, Ala. (WBRC) – Another state leader has weighed in on the ongoing battle to reopen the emergency room at Pickens County Hospital.

Sen. Gerald Allen of western Alabama echoed his House colleague Ron Bolton, who said discussions are taking place every week within state government to seek revenue sources.

You may recall that we were unable to reach Sen. Allen on Tuesday when Bryan Henry reported that a second person had died just steps from Carrolton City Hall, the second death in 13 months at the same location.

Some believe that if the emergency room had been open, the two people who died might have had a chance of survival.

The hospital closed in 2020 due to lack of funding.

Sen. Allen and Rep. Bolton said they have not given up on their efforts to find ways to reopen emergency rooms.

Carrolton Mayor Mickey Walker estimated it would take about $10 million to reopen the emergency room and bring it up to code.

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