13 rural hospitals in the Commonwealth at risk of closure, report finds

June 7, 2026 - 03:46

A new report from the Joint Commission on Health Care (JCHC) has identified 13 rural hospitals in Virginia that are at risk of closing. These facilities represent more than a third of the 36 rural hospitals operating across the Commonwealth. The findings highlight a growing crisis in healthcare access for communities that already have limited medical options.

The report points to several financial pressures driving the instability. Low patient volumes, high rates of uninsured residents, and heavy reliance on government insurance programs like Medicaid and Medicare are straining hospital budgets. Many of these facilities also struggle with aging infrastructure and difficulty recruiting doctors and nurses.

Without intervention, the closures could leave thousands of residents without emergency care, maternity services, or basic inpatient treatment. Some patients would face drives of an hour or more to reach the nearest hospital. The JCHC report recommends a mix of state funding increases, regulatory changes, and support for telehealth programs to help keep the hospitals open. Lawmakers are expected to review the findings ahead of the next legislative session.