Compared to other states, Mississippi ranks at the bottom of mosts lists concerning health issues and access to health care. Mississippians are also faced with another serious problem: the closure of hospitals.

Mississippi Today photographed shuttered hospitals across the state as more and more are closing due to rising cost within the industry. Currently, six hospitals have closed in Mississippi since 2005. Dozens more are expected, according to top health officials in the state.

Patient’s Choice Medical Center of Humphreys County in Belzoni., Miss., Wednesday, November 9, 2022. The rural hospital closed in August 2013. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today
Patient’s Choice Medical Center of Humphreys County in Belzoni., Miss., Wednesday, November 9, 2022. The rural hospital closed in August 2013. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today
A sign directing to the emergency room at Patient’s Choice Medical Center of Humphreys County in Belzoni., Miss., Wednesday, November 9, 2022. The rural hospital closed in August 2013. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today
Kings Daughters Hospital in Greenville, Miss., Wednesday, November 9, 2022. The hospital closed in March 2005. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today
A historical marker for the Kings Daughters Hospital in Greenville, Miss., Wednesday, November 9, 2022. The hospital closed in March 2005. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today
Pioneer Community Hospital of Newton on Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022. The hospital closed in December 2015. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today
Merit Health Natchez-community Campus in Natchez, Miss., Friday, November 11, 2022. The hospital closed in November 2005. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today
Kilmichael Hospital in Kilmichael, Miss., Thursday, November 10, 2022. The hospital closed in January 2015. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today