Rural country in California to lose its only hospital

Hospital Closure & Community Impact - Glenn Medical Center, the only hospital in Glenn County, California, is closing, impacting community healthcare access [2] - The closure raises concerns about increased mortality rates due to longer travel times to other hospitals, potentially 40 minutes away [2] - The closure will result in job losses for hospital staff, including the Director of Nurses [2] - Patients are already experiencing longer wait times (5 weeks) for appointments at the next nearest hospital [6] Funding & Regulatory Issues - The hospital lost its "critical access" status from CMS, resulting in the loss of millions of dollars in federal funding [3] - CMS revoked the status because another hospital is located 33 miles away, based on a calculation using a two-lane back road [4] - CMS does not factor in weather or road conditions when determining hospital eligibility [5] National Context - Advocacy groups estimate that over 700 rural hospitals nationwide (approximately one-third of all rural hospitals) are at risk of closing due to financial strain and potential Medicaid cuts [7][8]