Walker Applauds Greenville Deal to Keep Hospital Open, Save Jobs

A new agreement announced this week will keep the Regional Medical Center of Central Alabama open as a full-service hospital and protect nearly 100 rural healthcare jobs, local leaders said.

City officials confirmed that Frey Medical Management, a company that works with struggling hospitals, has signed a letter of intent to buy and operate the Greenville facility. The deal is intended to prevent a planned shift to a limited emergency-only model that had threatened inpatient services and layoffs.

The hospital had previously announced plans to transition to “Rural Emergency Hospital” status, a change that would have eliminated inpatient care and led to job losses.

Republican Rodney Walker, who is running for Alabama’s open U.S. Senate seat, applauded the agreement in a statement Friday. He said it protects jobs and preserves care in Greenville and surrounding rural areas.

“I’m proud to have developed a strong relationship with the group stepping in to save this hospital. They protected jobs, preserved care for families, and showed what responsible leadership looks like,” Walker said.

Walker noted that many rural hospitals in Alabama face ongoing financial strain, threatening both employment and access to care.

“Communities shouldn’t have to choose between economic stability and healthcare,” he said. “This deal proves that with the right private-sector leadership, we can save jobs, strengthen local economies, and keep essential services close to home.”

Frey Medical Management has begun working with hospital leadership to stabilize operations and support long-term growth, officials said.

In his remarks, Walker also emphasized his commitment to rural Alabamians, saying he is working for the State “even before becoming your U.S. Senator.”

The agreement marks a key step in efforts to preserve comprehensive healthcare services in Butler County and sustain local jobs tied to hospital operations.

The effort to keep Greenville’s Regional Medical Center open comes as Alabama expands Statewide policies to shore up rural health care.

In 2025, Gov. Kay Ivey signed the Rural Hospital Investment Act, a bipartisan bill that offers new State tax credits to individuals and businesses that support rural hospitals through donations. The law aims to give rural facilities a financial cushion by encouraging private support for operations and capital improvements.

Under the program, donors may receive credits up to $15,000 for individuals or $500,000 for corporations on contributions to hospitals that serve Medicare and Medicaid patients, offer indigent care, and submit multi-year financial plans.

Gov. Ivey also issued an Executive Order in December establishing the Alabama Rural Health Transformation Advisory Group. The panel will guide the State’s implementation of a federally funded rural health strategy through Alabama’s Rural Health Transformation Program.

Walker is one of several Republicans on the ballot in the May 19 primary election, For more information on Rodney Walker and his campaign, visit https://www.walkerforalabama.com or follow him on social media.