Greenwood Leflore Hospital announced Monday it may lay off a significant number of employees ahead of an anticipated closure on June 15, according to a WARN notice filed with authorities. The hospital stated that the notice complies with the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, which requires employers to notify employees of mass layoffs at least 60 days in advance.
The hospital is in negotiations with a larger health care system about potentially taking over operations, hospital officials said. In a statement, hospital administration emphasized that the date mentioned in the WARN notice does not guarantee closure, but reflects legal compliance and efforts to maintain essential services.
Established in 1906, Greenwood Leflore Hospital is a 35-bed public facility serving the Mississippi Delta. Owned jointly by the city of Greenwood and Leflore County, it has faced ongoing financial difficulties, exacerbated by disputes with the Mississippi Division of Medicaid over repayment of debts. The hospital has previously issued WARN notices during financial crises, including one in October 2022 when it warned of 600 layoffs, which led to the loss of 80 jobs and the closure of some services.
This year, the hospital announced plans to permanently lay off nearly 20% of its workforce, including 46 full-time and 40 part-time employees. It also plans to close several service lines as it explores possible transfer of operations to UMMC or a complete shutdown. In February, the hospital and its owners signed a letter of intent to donate assets to the University of Mississippi Medical Center, which would take full control.
Greenwood City Council President Ronnie Stevenson said discussions with UMMC are ongoing but remain uncertain. The hospital emphasized that it does not plan to close additional service lines and remains focused on preserving critical community services. Meanwhile, officials are also considering filing for Chapter 9 bankruptcy, with lawmakers having passed legislation to facilitate such a move. The Mississippi Department of Employment Security has not yet received a WARN notice from the hospital, as the deadline approaches based on the hospital’s announced closure date.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
