STILWELL — What the Sallisaw hospital recently avoided, Stilwell Memorial Hospital could not.

Northeastern Health System Sequoyah (NHSS) in December convinced Sallisaw City Commissioners to intervene on the hospital’s behalf with a financial lifeline, a move that was hailed as “the best thing for our financial situation at this point.”

Then three weeks ago, the Sallisaw facility was selected to participate in the CMS Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program, a federal initiative aimed at supporting healthcare access and sustainability in rural communities. Participation in the program brings desperately needed funding to the rural hospital.

But for Stilwell, there was no lifeline, no federal intervention. Therefore, the not-forprofit hospital will close Friday, according to a hospital employee who was not authorized to comment on the matter and spoke on the condition of anonymity. The source also said the Physicians’ Clinic will close 30 days after that.

The sudden revelation shocked Adair County residents and resulted in employees being given their walking papers, except for those essential for insurance filings and settlements.

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. acknowledged that Northeastern Health System “cannot replace the loss of a rural hospital,” but that some of the need can be absorbed.

As of last week, it remains unclear why exactly the hospital will close its doors, but Hoskin told KTUL Channel 8 in Tulsa he believes “local ownership and stakeholders did all they could to continue operations in a very challenging environment. This closure reminds us how fragile rural health care is in the country, especially in Oklahoma.”

Following the Stilwell hospital’s closure, the nearest hospitals will be in Tahlequah, Sallisaw and Siloam Springs, which are all over half an hour away.

In a social media statement on Friday, Stilwell Mayor Jean Ann Wright addressed the closure.

“It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that I address you today regarding the impending closure of Stilwell Memorial Hospital. This is a difficult day for our community, and I want to acknowledge the deep concern and uncertainty many of you are undoubtedly feeling.

“Stilwell Memorial Hospital has been a cornerstone of our community for generations, providing vital healthcare services, emergency care and a sense of security for all of us. The dedicated doctors, nurses and staff have served our families with compassion and unwavering commitment, and their contributions to the well-being of Stilwell cannot be overstated. We owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude for their tireless work.

“I understand that this news creates significant anxiety about access to healthcare for our residents, particularly for our elderly, our children and those with chronic conditions.

“This will not be an easy transition, but I have unwavering faith in the resilience and strength of the Stilwell community. We will face this challenge together, and we will emerge stronger,” the mayor said.

“Thank you for your understanding, your patience and your continued support as we work through this significant change to our community.”