Workers at Sharon Regional Medical Center continue to sound the alarm against the closure of the major hospital. 

While a proposed agreement with Tenor Health Partners could be on the horizon, the community wants to ensure a viable company steps forward. With more than 700 jobs on the line, 21 News spoke to Mercer County leaders regarding the economic impact a closure could mean for the area. 

"Save our hospital. Save our hospital. Save our hospital," dozens of ralliers chanted during Thursday's rally outside of SRMC that lasted over an hour in below-freezing temperatures. 

With a formal sale agreement still not reached, the crowds are only getting bigger and louder outside of Sharon Regional.

"We need to send a message to whoever does buy us, that they are lucky to get this community," said Dr. Valeri Roth. "This is the tip of the iceberg."

21 News reported on Thursday that Tenor Health Partners, the prospective company eying Sharon Regional, recently took ownership of an Alabama hospital-- but it closed a few months later. This is now sparking viability concerns in the community.

"These conversations couldn't continue to take place if these staff members had not remained in the hospital to keep it open," explained PA Senator Michele Brooks. "It's not lost on the state as to the impact that it will have on the healthcare of the community if it does close."

And if Sharon Regional Medical Center were to close its doors as early as Monday, January 6, local Mercer County leaders describe what kind of economic impact it could make.

"The businesses would feel that effect," explained Stephen Sherman II, Mercer County Controller. "The housing market would feel that effect should those families have to leave the area. And it's important to note we even reach into Ohio."

Sherman emphasized the impact on property values if the hospital were to close. "It would touch every surrounding community," he said. "We would feel that across our county and beyond."

But optimism filled the cold January sky Thursday evening amid the looming closure. 

"We know that there's good news coming," said Robert Fiscus, Sharon City Manager to the crowd Thursday. "All the interactions we've had, we know there are entities that want to own the hospital. They want to be a part of what's going on here."

Fiscus acknowledged the "dedicated staff" working through the holidays amid the turmoil and uncertainty. "I want to thank our partners at the state, thank our local partners, our county commissioners, our municipal leaders, and everyone here who's come together to give Sharon Regional the best possibility of succeeding and flourishing."

"This is a community hospital," said Jeff Pellin, Licensed Social Worker with SRMC. "It's a team. The nurses. The people who scrub the floors. The social workers. The doctors. We all work together to care for this community. Cardio care, stroke care, it's needed here. Not in Pittsburgh or Cleveland. We need it here. Those minutes count."

The hospital has a set closing date of next Monday, January 6. Employees would be paid through February 14.