The River Region's Finest Hour?

Jackson Hospital Must Not Be Allowed to Fail History will remember what the River Region does in this moment. Long after the bankruptcy filings have been archived and the court proceedings have ended, people will remember whether this community came together to save one of its most important institutions or stood by while it disappeared. Jackson Hospital is simply too important to fail.

This is not merely another corporate restructuring. Jackson Hospital is one of the largest employers in Montgomery, a lifeline for thousands of families, a training ground for healthcare professionals, and an indispensable part of the medical network serving Central Alabama. If its doors were ever to close, the consequences would reach far beyond its campus. Patients would wait longer for emergency care, neighboring hospitals would be overwhelmed, physicians would lose a vital partner, and employers considering investing in the Capital City would rightly question whether the River Region possesses the healthcare infrastructure needed for future growth.

The current leadership did not create every challenge confronting the hospital. They inherited years of financial pressures, rising healthcare costs, changing reimbursement models, and the difficult realities facing hospitals across America. Under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer John Quinlivan, Jackson Hospital has continued fighting to preserve an institution that generations of Alabamians have depended upon. Quinlivan has demonstrated the steady leadership, experience, and determination this moment demands. Every successful turnaround begins with leadership, and Jackson Hospital has that leadership in John Quinlivan. He is the right man for the job, and the River Region should stand squarely behind him as he works to secure Jackson Hospital's future.

That support must extend well beyond words. Governor Kay Ivey has recognized the extraordinary importance of preserving Jackson Hospital because she understands what it means to the Capital City and to the State of Alabama. Senator Tommy Tuberville has likewise recognized that a strong Capital City requires a strong hospital system and has underscored the importance of Jackson Hospital to the River Region. Their leadership should serve as a call to action for every elected official, civic leader, and business executive. Mayor Steven Reed should make preserving Jackson Hospital one of his administration's highest priorities. The Chairman Doug Simgleton and the Montgomery County Commission should work alongside hospital leadership to identify every available avenue of assistance. The Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce should bring together business leaders, physicians, bankers, insurers, and major employers to develop practical solutions. The River Region's legislative delegation, Republicans and Democrats alike, should speak with one voice because quality healthcare is not a partisan issue when the future of an entire region is at stake.

The hospital's creditors, insurers especially Blue Cross, business partners, and every organization with a stake in Central Alabama's future should recognize that a successful restructuring serves everyone better than the devastating consequences of closure. Jackson Hospital is worth saving because its success is inseparable from the future success of the River Region.

The River Region has always risen to meet extraordinary challenges. Communities have rebuilt after tornadoes, weathered economic downturns, and overcome adversity because citizens understood that working together accomplishes far more than assigning blame. This moment calls for that same spirit of cooperation.

Every company considering relocating to Montgomery evaluates the strength of the local healthcare system. Every physician deciding where to practice weighs the quality of the region's hospitals. Every family considering moving here wants confidence that outstanding medical care will be available when it is needed. A thriving capital city cannot afford to lose one of its flagship hospitals, and the River Region cannot allow one of its foundational institutions to disappear.

Years from now, few people will remember the motions filed in bankruptcy court or the legal arguments made before the judge. They will remember whether this community stood together when Jackson Hospital needed it most. The bankruptcy court may determine Jackson Hospital's legal future, but only the people of the River Region can secure its future as an institution.

Henry Ford observed, "Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, working together is success." Those words describe exactly what this moment requires. John Quinlivan has stepped forward. Governor Kay Ivey has stepped forward. Senator Tommy Tuberville has stepped forward. Now the entire River Region must do the same. If we believe in the future of our community, we must stand behind the current leadership, support Jackson Hospital's recovery, and ensure that this institution continues serving generations to come.

Jackson Hospital must survive, and the time for the River Region to unite behind its future is now.

The River Region's Finest Hour?

Jackson Hospital Must Not Be Allowed to Fail History will remember what the River Region does in this moment. Long after the bankruptcy filings have been archived and the court proceedings have ended, people will remember whether this community came together to save one of its most important institutions or stood by while it disappeared. Jackson Hospital is simply too important to fail.

This is not merely another corporate restructuring. Jackson Hospital is one of the largest employers in Montgomery, a lifeline for thousands of families, a training ground for healthcare professionals, and an indispensable part of the medical network serving Central Alabama. If its doors were ever to close, the consequences would reach far beyond its campus. Patients would wait longer for emergency care, neighboring hospitals would be overwhelmed, physicians would lose a vital partner, and employers considering investing in the Capital City would rightly question whether the River Region possesses the healthcare infrastructure needed for future growth.

The current leadership did not create every challenge confronting the hospital. They inherited years of financial pressures, rising healthcare costs, changing reimbursement models, and the difficult realities facing hospitals across America. Under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer John Quinlivan, Jackson Hospital has continued fighting to preserve an institution that generations of Alabamians have depended upon. Quinlivan has demonstrated the steady leadership, experience, and determination this moment demands. Every successful turnaround begins with leadership, and Jackson Hospital has that leadership in John Quinlivan. He is the right man for the job, and the River Region should stand squarely behind him as he works to secure Jackson Hospital's future.

That support must extend well beyond words. Governor Kay Ivey has recognized the extraordinary importance of preserving Jackson Hospital because she understands what it means to the Capital City and to the State of Alabama. Senator Tommy Tuberville has likewise recognized that a strong Capital City requires a strong hospital system and has underscored the importance of Jackson Hospital to the River Region. Their leadership should serve as a call to action for every elected official, civic leader, and business executive. Mayor Steven Reed should make preserving Jackson Hospital one of his administration's highest priorities. The Chairman Doug Simgleton and the Montgomery County Commission should work alongside hospital leadership to identify every available avenue of assistance. The Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce should bring together business leaders, physicians, bankers, insurers, and major employers to develop practical solutions. The River Region's legislative delegation, Republicans and Democrats alike, should speak with one voice because quality healthcare is not a partisan issue when the future of an entire region is at stake.

The hospital's creditors, insurers especially Blue Cross, business partners, and every organization with a stake in Central Alabama's future should recognize that a successful restructuring serves everyone better than the devastating consequences of closure. Jackson Hospital is worth saving because its success is inseparable from the future success of the River Region.

The River Region has always risen to meet extraordinary challenges. Communities have rebuilt after tornadoes, weathered economic downturns, and overcome adversity because citizens understood that working together accomplishes far more than assigning blame. This moment calls for that same spirit of cooperation.

Every company considering relocating to Montgomery evaluates the strength of the local healthcare system. Every physician deciding where to practice weighs the quality of the region's hospitals. Every family considering moving here wants confidence that outstanding medical care will be available when it is needed. A thriving capital city cannot afford to lose one of its flagship hospitals, and the River Region cannot allow one of its foundational institutions to disappear.

Years from now, few people will remember the motions filed in bankruptcy court or the legal arguments made before the judge. They will remember whether this community stood together when Jackson Hospital needed it most. The bankruptcy court may determine Jackson Hospital's legal future, but only the people of the River Region can secure its future as an institution.

Henry Ford observed, "Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, working together is success." Those words describe exactly what this moment requires. John Quinlivan has stepped forward. Governor Kay Ivey has stepped forward. Senator Tommy Tuberville has stepped forward. Now the entire River Region must do the same. If we believe in the future of our community, we must stand behind the current leadership, support Jackson Hospital's recovery, and ensure that this institution continues serving generations to come.

Jackson Hospital must survive, and the time for the River Region to unite behind its future is now.

The River Region's Finest Hour?

Jackson Hospital Must Not Be Allowed to Fail History will remember what the River Region does in this moment. Long after the bankruptcy filings have been archived and the court proceedings have ended, people will remember whether this community came together to save one of its most important institutions or stood by while it disappeared. Jackson Hospital is simply too important to fail.

This is not merely another corporate restructuring. Jackson Hospital is one of the largest employers in Montgomery, a lifeline for thousands of families, a training ground for healthcare professionals, and an indispensable part of the medical network serving Central Alabama. If its doors were ever to close, the consequences would reach far beyond its campus. Patients would wait longer for emergency care, neighboring hospitals would be overwhelmed, physicians would lose a vital partner, and employers considering investing in the Capital City would rightly question whether the River Region possesses the healthcare infrastructure needed for future growth.

The current leadership did not create every challenge confronting the hospital. They inherited years of financial pressures, rising healthcare costs, changing reimbursement models, and the difficult realities facing hospitals across America. Under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer John Quinlivan, Jackson Hospital has continued fighting to preserve an institution that generations of Alabamians have depended upon. Quinlivan has demonstrated the steady leadership, experience, and determination this moment demands. Every successful turnaround begins with leadership, and Jackson Hospital has that leadership in John Quinlivan. He is the right man for the job, and the River Region should stand squarely behind him as he works to secure Jackson Hospital's future.

That support must extend well beyond words. Governor Kay Ivey has recognized the extraordinary importance of preserving Jackson Hospital because she understands what it means to the Capital City and to the State of Alabama. Senator Tommy Tuberville has likewise recognized that a strong Capital City requires a strong hospital system and has underscored the importance of Jackson Hospital to the River Region. Their leadership should serve as a call to action for every elected official, civic leader, and business executive. Mayor Steven Reed should make preserving Jackson Hospital one of his administration's highest priorities. The Chairman Doug Simgleton and the Montgomery County Commission should work alongside hospital leadership to identify every available avenue of assistance. The Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce should bring together business leaders, physicians, bankers, insurers, and major employers to develop practical solutions. The River Region's legislative delegation, Republicans and Democrats alike, should speak with one voice because quality healthcare is not a partisan issue when the future of an entire region is at stake.

The hospital's creditors, insurers especially Blue Cross, business partners, and every organization with a stake in Central Alabama's future should recognize that a successful restructuring serves everyone better than the devastating consequences of closure. Jackson Hospital is worth saving because its success is inseparable from the future success of the River Region.

The River Region has always risen to meet extraordinary challenges. Communities have rebuilt after tornadoes, weathered economic downturns, and overcome adversity because citizens understood that working together accomplishes far more than assigning blame. This moment calls for that same spirit of cooperation.

Every company considering relocating to Montgomery evaluates the strength of the local healthcare system. Every physician deciding where to practice weighs the quality of the region's hospitals. Every family considering moving here wants confidence that outstanding medical care will be available when it is needed. A thriving capital city cannot afford to lose one of its flagship hospitals, and the River Region cannot allow one of its foundational institutions to disappear.

Years from now, few people will remember the motions filed in bankruptcy court or the legal arguments made before the judge. They will remember whether this community stood together when Jackson Hospital needed it most. The bankruptcy court may determine Jackson Hospital's legal future, but only the people of the River Region can secure its future as an institution.

Henry Ford observed, "Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, working together is success." Those words describe exactly what this moment requires. John Quinlivan has stepped forward. Governor Kay Ivey has stepped forward. Senator Tommy Tuberville has stepped forward. Now the entire River Region must do the same. If we believe in the future of our community, we must stand behind the current leadership, support Jackson Hospital's recovery, and ensure that this institution continues serving generations to come.

Jackson Hospital must survive, and the time for the River Region to unite behind its future is now. Jackson Hospital Must Not Be Allowed to Fail History will remember what the River Region does in this moment. Long after the bankruptcy filings have been archived and the court proceedings have ended, people will remember whether this community came together to save one of its most important institutions or stood by while it disappeared.

Jackson Hospital is simply too important to fail.

This is not merely another corporate restructuring. Jackson Hospital is one of the largest employers in Montgomery, a lifeline for thousands of families, a training ground for healthcare professionals, and an indispensable part of the medical network serving Central Alabama. If its doors were ever to close, the consequences would reach far beyond its campus. Patients would wait longer for emergency care, neighboring hospitals would be overwhelmed, physicians would lose a vital partner, and employers considering investing in the Capital City would rightly question whether the River Region possesses the healthcare infrastructure needed for future growth.

The current leadership did not create every challenge confronting the hospital. They inherited years of financial pressures, rising healthcare costs, changing reimbursement models, and the difficult realities facing hospitals across America. Under the leadership

of Chief Executive Officer John Quinlivan, Jackson Hospital has continued fighting to preserve an institution that generations of Alabamians have depended upon. Quinlivan has demonstrated the steady leadership, experience, and determination this moment

demands. Every successful turnaround begins with leadership, and Jackson Hospital has that leadership in John Quinlivan. He is the right man for the job, and the River Region should stand squarely behind him as he works to secure Jackson Hospital's future.

That support must extend well beyond words. Governor Kay Ivey has recognized the extraordinary importance of preserving Jackson Hospital because she understands what it means to the Capital City and to the State of Alabama. Senator Tommy Tuberville has likewise recognized that a strong Capital City requires a strong hospital system and has underscored the importance of Jackson Hospital to the River Region. Their leadership should serve as a call to action for every elected official, civic leader, and business executive. Mayor Steven Reed should make preserving Jackson Hospital one of his administration's highest priorities. The Chairman Doug Simgleton and the Montgomery County Commission should work alongside hospital leadership to identify every available avenue of assistance. The Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce should bring together business leaders, physicians, bankers, insurers, and major employers to develop practical solutions. The River Region's legislative delegation, Republicans and Democrats alike, should speak with one voice because quality healthcare is not a partisan issue when the future of an entire region is at stake.

The hospital's creditors, insurers especially Blue Cross, business partners, and every organization with a stake in Central Alabama's future should recognize that a successful restructuring serves everyone better than the devastating consequences of closure.

Jackson Hospital is worth saving because its success is inseparable from the future success of the River Region.

The River Region has always risen to meet extraordinary challenges. Communities have rebuilt after tornadoes, weathered economic downturns, and overcome adversity because citizens understood that working together accomplishes far more than assigning blame.

This moment calls for that same spirit of cooperation.

Every company considering relocating to Montgomery evaluates the strength of the local healthcare system. Every physician deciding where to practice weighs the quality of the region's hospitals. Every family considering moving here wants confidence that outstanding medical care will be available when it is needed. A thriving capital city cannot afford to lose one of its flagship hospitals, and the River Region cannot allow one of its foundational institutions to disappear.

Years from now, few people will remember the motions filed in bankruptcy court or the legal arguments made before the judge. They will remember whether this community stood together when Jackson Hospital needed it most. The bankruptcy court may

determine Jackson Hospital's legal future, but only the people of the River Region can secure its future as an institution.

Henry Ford observed, "Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, working together is success." Those words describe exactly what this moment requires.

John Quinlivan has stepped forward. Governor Kay Ivey has stepped forward. Senator Tommy Tuberville has stepped forward. Now the entire River Region must do the same.

If we believe in the future of our community, we must stand behind the current leadership, support Jackson Hospital's recovery, and ensure that this institution continues serving generations to come.

Jackson Hospital must survive, and the time for the River Region to unite behind its future is now.

Perry O. Hooper Jr. is a former state Representative, a current member of the Alabama Republican State Executive Committee, the 2016 Trump Victory Chair, and a widely published columnist who writes on politics, governmental affairs, and current events.

Opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Alabama Gazette staff or publishers.