Stilwell Memorial Hospital closure raises concerns about rural healthcare access

Stilwell Memorial Hospital, a longtime healthcare fixture in Adair County, is closing its doors soon, leaving many residents in eastern Oklahoma without a local hospital.

City leaders and hospital officials confirmed the closure earlier this week, prompting concerns about access to medical care for thousands of rural residents.

Stilwell Memorial Hospital Closes

In a statement released June 20, Stilwell Mayor Jean Ann Wright called it a “difficult day” for the community and expressed gratitude for the doctors, nurses, and staff who had served the area for decades.

“Stilwell Memorial Hospital has been a cornerstone of our community, providing vital healthcare services, emergency care, and a sense of security for all of us,” Wright said. “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.”

The mayor acknowledged the anxiety many residents are feeling, particularly those with chronic conditions or limited transportation, and pledged to keep the public informed of any updates or healthcare alternatives that may arise.

(Photo Via Stilwell Memorial Hospital Facebook page)

Medical Records Available For Stilwell Memorial Patients

In a separate announcement posted June 24 on the hospital’s Facebook page, officials encouraged patients to request medical records before the final closure.

To obtain records, patients must present a valid photo ID. Representatives requesting records on someone else's behalf must provide legal documentation such as a Power of Attorney or guardianship papers.

The hospital’s Medical Records Department remains open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

No specific reason for the closure was given publicly, but the announcement comes amid continued challenges for rural hospitals across the state.

Stilwell Memorial COO Brandy Smith told News On 6 that the administration could not provide a reason or a specific closure date.

Cherokee Nation Statement on Stilwell Memorial Hospital

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. also released a statement about the closure, saying that he hopes the tribal healthcare system can help absorb some of the need.

“We are saddened to hear the news of Stilwell Memorial Hospital’s closing. We are confident that 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, and especially in Oklahoma. This should serve as a reminder to all of us that state and federal health policy can impact, for better or worse, access to rural health care. This is why Cherokee Nation has been engaged on matters such as Medicaid expansion at the state level and supporting Medicare and Medicaid at the federal level. Although our system cannot replace the loss of a rural hospital, our system can absorb some of the need. Cherokee Nation operates the largest tribal health care system in Indian Country and during the past five years has expanded outpatient services and capacity in the Stilwell area. We look forward to having conversations in the community as to how we can help going forward.”