Nettleton, MS – Following the news that Alliance Healthcare System in Holly Springs - Mississippi’s first rural emergency hospital - is ending inpatient care in order to try and keep their doors open, Brandon Presley released the following statement:

“The ending of inpatient care at Alliance Healthcare System lies squarely at the feet of Tate Reeves, who decided to put his own political ambition ahead of the health and well-being of Mississippians. When Tate Reeves wakes up and asks why this hospital has closed, he needs to look in the mirror.

“As governor, I’ll fight to extend Medicaid, so we don’t continue to see hospitals shrink the essential services they provide to Mississippians, provide healthcare to 220,000 working people in our state, and create 11,000 good-paying jobs.”

BACKGROUND:

• Earlier this month, the Mississippi Rural Health Association President said, “We are in far more of a serious time now than we ever have been before.”

• Dr. Daniel Edney, Mississippi’s top health officer, predicted five Mississippi hospitals would soon downgrade to emergency rooms.

• Tate Reeves admitted that it was in his “personal political interest” to oppose extending 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 balanced the budget every year, cut taxes twice, and got the town moving again. 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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