Doc Mancuso, a candidate for Alabama House District 7, is proposing an evaluation of the Lawrence County Hospital building for conversion into an assisted living center once it is no longer used as a hospital.
“Before we consider tearing down a building that has served generations of local families, we should explore how it can continue serving our community,” Mancuso said. “An assisted living center could give more of our seniors the opportunity to remain close to their families, friends, churches and the places they call home.”
Mancuso said the proposal could create local jobs for health care professionals, support staff, maintenance workers, food service employees and administrators.
“Our seniors should not be overlooked,” Mancuso said. “They helped build this community, and we should look for practical ways to help them remain a part of it.”
The proposal calls for examining whether the hospital’s existing rooms, accessibility features, common areas and other infrastructure could be adapted for assisted living. A feasibility review would help determine the building’s suitability, necessary renovations, operating requirements and potential costs.
“This is about making responsible use of what we already have,” Mancuso said. “We should examine the costs, understand the requirements and determine whether this building can meet a community need for years to come.”
Mancuso also said the concept could help Lawrence County serve more older residents while supporting the local economy and surrounding communities.
“Progress is not always about building something new,” Mancuso said. “Sometimes it is about finding a new purpose for something that has already served us well. By exploring this proposal, we have an opportunity to honor our past, invest in our future and improve the quality of life for our seniors.”
