MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Cover Alabama and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) unveiled a new billboard today near Jackson Hospital, calling attention to the critical need for Medicaid expansion to strengthen health care access and reinforce Alabama’s hospitals. The billboard features the message “Save Jackson Hospital. Expand Medicaid now.” alongside an image of an ambulance and highlights the urgent need to close Alabama’s health coverage gap to keep hospitals open.
According to a report from the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform, more than half of Alabama’s 52 rural hospitals are at risk of closure, including 23 facing an immediate threat. Cover Alabama and its coalition partners including ACS CAN aim to raise awareness about the struggles many Alabama hospitals face and to encourage policymakers to act to close the coverage gap.
“For too long, Alabama’s hospitals have struggled under the weight of a broken healthcare system,” said Debbie Smith, Cover Alabama campaign director. “This billboard is a stark reminder that without action, more hospitals will be forced to close, impacting families and economies across our state.”
“This is an urgent call to action. We have seen Thomasville hospital close in recent weeks and other hospitals are reducing services at an alarming rate. This is no longer a problem in only rural areas. We need the Gov. Ivey to act now,” said Jane Adams, Government Relations Director for ACS CAN in Alabama.
Retired Brig. Gen. Edward Crowell, Jackson Hospital board chair, emphasized the importance of Medicaid expansion for the health of Alabama communities: “Jackson Hospital plays a vital role in ensuring that community members have access to essential health services,” Crowell said. “Medicaid expansion would be a game-changer, strengthening hospitals across the state and enabling us to continue serving those in need.”
The billboard, located near the hospital on I-85 westbound, underscores the need for affordable health care access and will remain visible for the coming weeks. The Cover Alabama coalition hopes this campaign will inspire community members to engage with their legislators and advocate for policies that close the state’s health coverage gap.