Emily Hamann

The Sacramento Business Journal report explores the dire state of California's rural hospitals, threatened by closures, financial instability, and the impact on health care and local economies.

Financial struggles of rural hospitals like Barton Memorial as they serve low-income populations and how their status as tourist destinations and specialized service providers impacts their revenue.

The decline of rural hospitals can mean upheaval to the communities they serve.

Two independent hospitals in the Sacramento region face financial challenges without the support of larger health systems but prioritize agility and community-focused services.

The Sacramento region's rural hospitals carry a higher cost burden to serve aging, poorer communities. And it's getting worse.