Nettleton, MS - Following the news that KPC Promise Hospital in Vicksburg could be forced to shut down next month because of Tate Reeves’ hospital crisis, Brandon Presley released the following statement:

“When Tate Reeves finally wakes up and realizes another hospital in this state has closed, he will only have himself to blame. This healthcare crisis lies squarely at the feet of Tate Reeves, who has blocked Medicaid expansion, which has left hospitals across Mississippi scrambling to keep their lights on and 220,000 Mississippians without life-saving healthcare.“As governor, I’ll fight to expand Medicaid so we can keep rural hospitals like Promise Hospital in Vicksburg open, provide healthcare to 220,000 working Mississippians, and create thousands of good-paying jobs.”

BACKGROUND:

An April report from the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform showed that one-third of Mississippi’s rural hospitals are at risk of closure, with 20 hospitals at risk of immediate closure, and 27 hospitals at risk of closure overall.In March, Mississippi’s first rural emergency hospital, Alliance Healthcare System,  announced they were ending inpatient care in order to try and keep their doors open.Greenwood Leflore Hospital is requesting donations from the public on their website- and has raised property taxes in order to keep the hospital open. Staff is being overwhelmed with patients dealing with severe health issues that could have been treated sooner with proper health care.Tate Reeves admitted that it was in his “personal political interest” to oppose expanding Medicaid - despite the policy being a win for Mississippi families, patients, and doctors.

Brandon Presley is a fighter who keeps his promises, stands up for the little guy, and isn't afraid to ruffle more than a few feathers to deliver results for hardworking Mississippi families. Brandon served as Mayor of Nettleton from 2001 to 2007, where he got the town moving again, then balanced the budget every year and cut taxes twice. As Public Service Commissioner, Brandon opened up meetings that had been closed to the public for decades, brought high-speed internet to some of the most remote and forgotten parts of Mississippi, put people back to work with the Hire Mississippi program, and saved taxpayers over 6 billion dollars.

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