Caring For Poor, Hospitals Reach Brink Of Closure
by Carla K. Johnson
CHICAGO (AP) - Two Illinois charity hospitals are asking the state's permission to shut down after serving low-income residents for more than 100 years.
A state board will consider the fate of Oak Forest Hospital in Chicago's south suburbs and Kenneth Hall Regional Hospital in East St. Louis on Tuesday.
The institutions represent a significant development that's gone largely unnoticed as the nation climbs out of the recession.
Many charity hospitals already struggling with rising costs are on the brink of failure because of looming budget cuts, increasing numbers of uninsured patients and a slow economic recovery.
Safety net hospitals have closed in Florida, Georgia, Pennsylvania and New York in recent years. And experts say the number will be growing as states continue to cut health care funding.
Associated Press text, photo and/or graphic material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. Neither these AP Materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and non-commercial use. The AP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the foregoing.
Latest Stories
- LIVING WORD CHRISTIAN CENTER RALLIES CHICAGOLAND COMMUNITIES TO MEET REAL NEEDS WITH REAL LOVE ON GOOD NEIGHBOR DAY
- Illinois Fallen Firefighter Remembered and Firefighters Honored for Distinguished Service to their Communities
- Chicago Restaurant Industry Lost 2,100 Jobs in 2025
- A Day of Wellness + Jump Rope-a-Thon Fundraiser Focused on Movement, Healing, and Community Care
- Giannoulias Unveils First-Ever Business Services Center, Streamlining Services for Faster, More Convenient Access
Latest Podcast
Get In The Know...
