In the past year alone, more rural hospitals closed than in the prior 15 years combined. This is a staggering fact, which is under reported by national media.
When a rural hospital closes, the community often also loses affiliated rural health clinics, local ambulance service, mental health services, long-term care, rural surgery, rehab, home health and other vital services as well. What our nation is currently experiencing is the devastation, and in many cases the elimination, of the rural health safety net. Read more here.
