Affiliation agreement supports Lakeland’s long-term stability, continued local access to care
Huntsville Hospital Health System announced today that the Health Care Authority of the City of Huntsville and the Health Care Authority of Haleyville and Winston County have unanimously agreed to enter an affiliation agreement to help ensure Lakeland Community Hospital in Haleyville, Ala., remains a strong, viable hospital for residents of Winston County and northwest Alabama.
The affiliation agreement creates a formal partnership between the two organizations and provides financial support, strategic guidance and resources to help Lakeland Community Hospital stabilize and continue providing high-quality care locally.
This is not an acquisition or purchase. Lakeland Community Hospital will continue normal operations as a 25-bed critical access hospital and is not part of Huntsville Hospital Health System under this affiliation agreement. Lakeland will maintain its local leadership, day-to-day operations and community focus. Patients and staff should not see changes in day-to-day care or management.
Lakeland, the only hospital in Winston County, approached HH Health seeking a strong regional partner that understood the importance of preserving local care.
“We needed Huntsville Hospital Health System, and we are grateful they answered,” said Cherie E. Sibley, president and CEO of Lakeland Community Hospital. “Our goal has always been to make sure Lakeland can thrive, not just survive. This affiliation gives us the support we need to reach long-term stability and continue caring for our neighbors while maintaining the local leadership and community focus our patients know and trust.”
The affiliation does not replace existing local support for Lakeland Community Hospital. Local funding remains essential to meeting current obligations and supporting the hospital’s long-term stability.
“We are thankful to Huntsville Hospital Health System for stepping up and supporting Lakeland Community Hospital,” said Roger Hayes, chairman, Health Care Authority of Haleyville and Winston County. “Their partnership gives us a stronger path forward and helps protect the long-term sustainability of local health care in Winston County.”
“Maintaining a strong local hospital is critical to Winston County’s economic development, business recruitment and quality of life,” said David Cummings, chairman of the Winston County Commission. “Local access to health care reduces travel burdens for patients and families, supports local jobs, and strengthens community stability. Preserving Lakeland Community Hospital is important to the health and future of Winston County.”
Preserving access to care close to home is central to HH Health’s mission as a nonprofit, community-based health system.
“When a community loses access to its hospital, the impact reaches far beyond one building,” said Jeff Samz, president and CEO of HH Health. “It affects patients, families, local employers, emergency responders and neighboring hospitals. This agreement is about acting before that happens in Winston County. Lakeland Community Hospital has an impressive, dedicated team and plays an integral role in this region. HH Health is proud to help support its future.”
The agreement comes at a time when hospitals across Alabama and the country are facing significant financial pressure, with some communities confronting the possibility of losing local access to care. For Winston County, this affiliation represents a proactive step to preserve care close to home and reflects the important role strong regional partnerships can play in supporting local hospitals.
The affiliation agreement is effective as of July 1, 2026.
