Becker’s Hospital Review reported on the 14 rural hospitals that have closed this year. It is worth noting that eight closures occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when access to health care services is more important than ever before. Additionally, local reporting in Georgia confirms that two more rural hospitals are slated for closure in October. Last year set the record for the greatest number of rural hospital closures in a single year at 18; 2020 is on pace to smash that record.