Congressional representatives Shomari Figures (AL-02) and Brian Jack (GA–03) have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at providing financial support to rural Alabama hospitals. The Rural Hospital Stabilization Act of 2025, introduced Tuesday, April 29, authorizes a grant program and critical support to help struggling rural hospitals keep their doors open.

“In my district, we are on pace to lose nearly every other hospital over the next couple of years that is not located in Mobile or Montgomery,” Figures said in a media release. “This is not sustainable, and it’s an issue that goes beyond health care access. It significantly impacts the economic vitality of rural communities because businesses and people do not want to be in areas that do not have hospitals.”

The act, once passed, would authorize the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to distribute up to $5 million in grants to hospitals serving rural areas. Grant funds can be spent on operational costs, infrastructure repair, and equipment upgrades, helping to ensure continued access to health care services and help prevent more closures of hospitals in rural communities. 

Crenshaw Community Hospital CEO David Hughes explained the vital role community leaders and elected officials play in making healthcare available to rural communities.

“I’m encouraged to see efforts aimed at supporting rural healthcare facilities,” Hughes said. “We face daily challenges to stay operational and deliver quality care to our communities. Without the support of our elected leaders, rural facilities will continue to struggle, and we will likely see more closures.”

“I’m proud to introduce this critical legislation with my colleague Rep. Brian Jack because we both understand protecting rural hospitals should not be a partisan issue,” Figures said. “I will continue to work to protect our rural hospitals to ensure people who live in these communities can access quality, affordable health care.”  

Jack also emphasized the critical need to undergird rural healthcare facilities.

“I am proud to introduce the Rural Hospital Stabilization Act of 2025 with my colleague Shomari Figures,” Jack said in a media release. “It is critical that we protect and enhance rural healthcare and its growth. Counties in my district lack adequate access to healthcare, and this legislation paves the way to ensuring Georgians across the Third District are able to receive the care they deserve.”