Rural Hospital Closures: Seventeen Alabama rural hospitals face immediate closure risk due to ongoing financial losses and limited reserves, raising the odds of longer drives for emergency care and maternity services. Rabies Watch: The Alabama Department of Public Health is urging residents to take rabies precautions after a national rise in exposures, especially around domestic pets and bats found indoors. Kids’ Care Spotlight: Children’s of Alabama was named the state’s top kids hospital for the 17th straight year by U.S. News & World Report, with national rankings across multiple pediatric specialties. Community Health Support: Eutaw is launching a free Hypertension & Diabetes Support Group session with lunch provided, aiming to help adults learn prevention and management and connect with local resources. Local Care Growth: Jackson Hospital says it has emerged from bankruptcy and is shifting to hiring and facility improvements, including plans tied to a promised state grant. Rural Health Tech Push: A new report highlights how states, including Louisiana, are investing in rural health startups using federal rural health transformation funds. Addiction Treatment Need: Alabama’s neighbors are seeing new momentum for inpatient substance use disorder clinics, underscoring the broader shortage of residential treatment beds. Preparedness in North Alabama: Redstone Arsenal is hosting a Sept. 23 preparedness roundup to connect residents with emergency response teams and improve disaster planning.