By JIMMY LAWTON

LISBON -- The Al Winney Medical Building could reopen under the umbrella of the Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center as early as July 25.

Operated at the Lisbon Medical Group Building, the clinic located on County Route 10 in the hamlet, has been a mainstay in the town for decades. It was announced in June that the clinic would shut down after Nurse Practitioner Ernie Couglar, who was running the clinic, said the businesses was unable to get adequate reimbursements from insurance companies due to its lack of bargaining power.

Since then, town officials have been looking for a way to keep the clinic open. Fortunately, Claxton-Hepburn Medical stepped in to ensure the clinic’s future.

“We’re excited to be in Lisbon. This fits in with our goal of expanding our primary network to provide service in rural communities,” CHMC CEO Nate Howell said.

Hospital spokeswoman Laura Shea said the clinic will be staffed by Alesha Pederson, a physician assistant with local roots. Pederson, formerly Alesha Akins, is a Lisbon native and graduate of the local school district.

Existing patients of the clinic will continue to have their records on file, but have the option to transfer them to another provider if they choose.

Shea said there are some renovations to be done and a bit more paper work, but if all goes as planned patients could be back in the clinic as early as July 25.

“We were able to get approval from the Department of Health so there would not be a lapse of care in the community,” she said.

Shea said this is the seventh clinic to be operated by CHMC.

The center will be open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 pm. Pederson has been serving as the provider at the Madrid Health Center. With her move to the Lisbon Health Center, Nurse Practitioner Nikita Goliber will take over the practice in Madrid.

The Madrid Health Center hours will remain the same.

The Lisbon clinic was dedicated to Alan J. Winney who served as the provider there from 1977 to 2013. Shea said CHMC intended to honor his legacy.