Economic reality is a huge factor here. These small hospitals that were supposedly designed to employ the community are so much more than that!

These hospitals do employ our communities and therefore improve the economy of the community and the state.

They are places where the crucial few moments saved in travel can mean the difference between life and death.

Where the wait to be seen for urgent/emergency medical treatment can be an hour versus six. A place where patients are a face and a name rather than a number.

And yes, these hospitals receive grant money, taxpayer money, with great economic justification. As these hospitals are located in rural communities, the majority of their patients are low income, and hospital reimbursement by state funding for low-income health insurance programs is a mere percentage of what it actually costs to provide the care. These hospitals accept Medicaid patients, when so many of the larger providers do not.

To close these institutions would be a greater obstacle for an already failing New York state economy. These hospitals provide economic support and growth to the very communities that they serve. Further job loss and business closings would only cause further heartaches and struggles for New York residents.

As a dispute to the comment that these hospitals cannot provide quality care, you are mistaken. Care in small facilities is most often better as patients get a more personalized approach to their care.

To close any of these hospitals would be devastating to their employees, patients and communities.

Bite the bullet and rally in support for these facilities. Don’t allow New York state to cause more cuts to our region! We have sacrificed enough!

I am an employee of River Hospital but more importantly, I am an ambassador for its preservation!

Please join me and rally in support for our small local hospitals.

Carrie Baker

Redwood

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