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Carolina Curious: Why Are So Many Rural Hospitals Closing And What Happens After They Do?

In this Thursday, April 30, 2015 photo, a sign hangs at the emergency entrance at the now-closed hospital in Belhaven, N.C. Belhaven's rural hospital is one of a growing number of rural hospitals closing across the country. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)

Rural hospitals across the country are closing at an alarming rate - over 80 since 2010. And a majority of these are located in the South.

One WFDD listener asked: why are so many small town hospitals being forced to close?

To answer that question, in the latest installment of our series Carolina Curious, WFDD's Bethany Chafin speaks with Dr. George Pink of the North Carolina Rural Health Research Program. He outlines what happens before and after a rural hospital leaves a community. 

Three broad categories of factors that are explaining rural hospital closures:

1. The market: small, declining populations; high unemployment rates; increasing numbers of uninsured and underinsured patients; and competition.

2. Ho

Bethany is WFDD's editorial director. She joined the staff in the fall of 2012. She received her B.A. and M.A. in English Literature from Wake Forest University. Between undergraduate studies and graduate school, Bethany served as the intern to Talk of the Nation at NPR in D.C., participating in live NPR Election Night Coverage, Presidential debate broadcasts, regular Talk of the Nation shows, and helping to plan the inaugural broadcast of ‘Talk of the World.' She enjoys engaging with her interests in books, politics, and art in the interdisciplinary world of public radio. Before becoming editorial director, Bethany was assistant news Director, a reporter and associate producer for WFDD's Triad Arts and Triad Arts Weekend. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Bethany enjoys calling the Piedmont home.

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