The Montgomery County Commission on Tuesday voted not to give an additional $7.5 million in funding to Jackson Hospital while the Montgomery City Council approved the same measure. The motion failed on a 2–2 vote, with one abstention, and therefore did not receive the votes necessary for approval.
The commission has already committed $10 million to the hospital, while the city expanded its initial $15 million commitment to $22.5 million. The hospital currently stands at $202 million in financial commitments out of $293 million needed by December 31.
“The Commission recognizes Jackson Hospital’s critical role in serving residents across Montgomery County and the River Region. Commissioners also have a duty to ensure that any additional public investment is sustainable, clearly defined, and developed collaboratively with hospital leadership and other community partners,” the commission said in a statement. “As this matter continues to evolve, the Commission remains willing to work with Jackson Hospital leadership, the City of Montgomery, regional partners, and state leaders to identify a responsible path forward.”
The state would have matched the county’s commitment, meaning the “no” vote actually blocked $15 million in potential funding for the maligned hospital.
“This is a dire situation, people will die over this,” said Council Member Charles Jinright. “This is not about money as much as people’s lives.”
“We had Isaiah Sankey and Dan Harris to vote against this resolution, which is disheartening being that one is a medical professional and knows the state of human life and should have that value and represents the least of these throughout the city,” said Council Member Marche Johnson. “We have not had that support from that commissioner in this constituency for the life-hood of my electancy.”
John Quivlan, CEO of Jackson Hospital, said the community “can’t afford” to lose the hospital.
“We will continue working with the County Commission and remain confident they will ultimately provide the support necessary to revitalize Jackson Hospital,” Quivlan said.
