Jackson Healthy System Poised to Cut 4,500 Jobs

Jackson Health System in Florida is considering closing two hospitals and cutting nearly 4,500 jobs in an effort to close its budget gap by $165.4 million. The cuts would represent a 37 percent reduction in the system’s workforce, according to the South Florida Business Journal.

The plan was submitted to the Jackson Public Health Trust Board by its president and CEO, Eneida Roldan. Officials cited Jackson’s uninsured rate of “between 20 and 30 percent” as among the reasons for the needed cuts. The national rate is generally between 18 and 19 percent, according to the New York Times.

Jackson has already cut 600 positions since last June, according to local reports. The board has until March 22 to approve the plan.