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DC – 53 rural hospitals have closed across the U-S. 283 more are on the brink of closure. Since January 2013, more rural hospitals have closed than in the previous 10 years combined.

CHI Mercy Health Hospital CEO Keith Heuser said cuts in hospital payments have taken their toll, forcing closures and leaving many people living in rural areas without timely access to care.

Heuser said right now CHI Mercy Health Hospital is in pretty good financial shape but it this trend continues without congressional action rural hospitals in North Dakota will one day be vulnerable to closures as well.

He said the walk is an effort to raise awareness on the seriousness of the situation rural hospitals are now facing.

A group of advocates from 11 states are walking 283 miles, one for each at-risk hospital – from rural Belhaven, N.C., and are schedule to arrive in June 15 at the U.S. Capitol to draw attention to the dire situation rural hospitals and communities are facing.

Many people believe without congressional intervention, layoffs, reduced wages, economic loss, reduced services, or worse, closed doors will occur in more rural communities across America.

The National Rural Health Association invites you to the conclusion of The Walk on June 15 at 11 a.m. on the east grounds of the Capitol, between the Capitol building and the Supreme Court building. This is a free event and all are encouraged to attend to show their support for rural hospitals.

For more information and ways to #SaveRural hospitals and patients, visit NRHA’s Save Rural Hospitals Action Kit.