RNs Warn of 600+ Hospital Closures Due to Federal Healthcare Cuts

Healthcare Cuts Threaten Hundreds of Hospitals, Including Key Minnesota Facility

The Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) in Minneapolis, MN, has been flagged as a critical facility at risk of closure by the National Nurses United, the largest union of registered nurses in the country. This warning is part of a broader concern regarding over 600 nonprofit and community hospitals nationwide facing potential shutdowns due to federal healthcare budget reductions.

These developments are a consequence of H.R. 1, legislation that has reduced federal support for healthcare, endangering essential hospitals like HCMC. As a vital safety-net and Level I trauma center, HCMC's closure could severely impact patients and healthcare professionals across Minnesota and the Midwest. The union of nurses stresses the urgency of state and federal intervention to prevent this outcome.

Currently, hospitals in the Twin Cities are dealing with understaffing and overcrowded conditions. The potential closure of HCMC would exacerbate these issues, leading to increased wait times and delayed crucial care in emergency rooms. HCMC is notable for its unique offerings, including the only 24/7 hyperbaric chamber in the region and its role as a teaching hospital for future medical professionals.

Approximately 1,500 registered nurses are employed at HCMC, all members of the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) and National Nurses United (NNU). These nurses are advocating for sustainable solutions that ensure the hospital remains operational.

Jeremy Olson-Ehlert, MNA Second Vice President and a registered nurse at HCMC, emphasized the importance of legislative action, stating, “Elected officials at every level need to prioritize protecting access to vital health care. HCMC is a cornerstone of Minnesota’s health care system and a lifeline for patients across the Midwest. Without long-term solutions, this hospital—and the care thousands of patients rely on—is at risk. The time for temporary fixes is over.”

The financial challenges faced by HCMC highlight the broader implications of H.R. 1, which has redirected over $1 trillion from federal healthcare funding towards tax breaks for billionaires, immigration enforcement, and military activities. HCMC is particularly vulnerable as it relies on Medicaid and Medicare for 81% of its funding, making it susceptible to cuts taking full effect after the 2026 midterms.

‘RED ALERT’ Status Highlights Endangered Hospitals

In response to the threat posed by H.R. 1, the National Nurses United has established a “RED ALERT” status to draw attention to hospitals at risk of closure. This initiative also promotes the union's Vision for a Healthy Society, which outlines alternative healthcare solutions.

The RED ALERT tour, which has already visited communities in Glendale, Oceanside, and Alameda in California, aims to rally community support by bringing nurses’ alternative healthcare visions to affected communities. A future stop in Minneapolis is being considered as the first visit in the Midwest.

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