Rep. Sewell Hosts Rural Health Roundtable in Demopolis During National Public Health Week

Demopolis, AL - Today, in observance of National Public Health Week, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) convened a Rural Health Roundtable at Whitfield Regional Hospital in Demopolis, bringing together hospital administrators, clinicians, and health system leaders from across Alabama's 7th Congressional District to discuss the mounting pressures facing rural health care providers-pressures intensified by recent federal cuts to key health care programs.

Additional photos and videos are available here.

Among those in attendance were Whitfield Regional Hospital CEO Doug Brewer, Greene County Health System CEO Rodgerick Williams, J. Paul Jones Rural Emergency Hospital CEO Jessica McGraw, Hill Hospital Rural Health Clinic Manager Darla Spencer, Grove Hill Hospital CEO Allen Jordan, DCH Health System CEO Katrina Keefer, Hale County Hospital CEO Shay Cherry, and Rural Health Medical Program CEO Keshee Dozier-Smith.

The discussion underscored the growing strain on rural hospitals, many of which are operating on razor-thin margins while serving aging populations, large geographic areas, and communities with limited access to specialty care. Participants detailed challenges ranging from workforce shortages and rising operating costs to the threat of service reductions or closures if federal support continues to erode.

"Rural hospitals are on the front lines in caring for our most vulnerable Alabamians," said Rep. Sewell. "When federal funding is cut, it's not just numbers on a spreadsheet. It's maternity wards closing, emergency rooms understaffed, and families forced to drive hours for basic care. I'm fighting to make sure our rural providers have the resources they need to stay open and serve every patient who walks through their doors."

During the roundtable, Rep. Sewell highlighted two pieces of legislation she is leading to strengthen rural health care infrastructure and expand access to care:

• The Save Struggling Hospitals Act would fix Medicare payment formulas that do not account for the cost pressures facing hospitals in rural and lower-wage areas.
• The Maternal Vaccination Act would protect the health of mothers and babies by increasing maternal and childhood vaccination rates.

On Wednesday morning, Sewell also visited DaVita Kidney Care in Demopolis where she spoke with patients and providers about the importance of preserving the accessibility of dialysis services in rural Alabama.

Sewell will continue working with local providers, state partners, and national rural health organizations to advance solutions that protect access to care for rural families.

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