In a powerful display of community solidarity, dozens of employees and community members gathered outside Sharon Regional Hospital Wednesday night for a candlelight rally.

With the hospital’s closure set for Jan. 6, attendees came together not just to show support but to send a clear message: that the hospital is vital to the community. 

"This hospital means something to us and it means something to the community. And it means something to the patients," registered nurse, Hollie Champ told 21 News. 

Employees at the rally said closing the hospital would severely impact healthcare access for the community.

"We offer services here offer services here that other hospitals in the Valley don't, specifically like our cardiac services," registered nurse Shauna Anderson said. 

Hospital staff say the hospital is also the only one in the area with a children's psych unit.

During the rally people expressed how the uncertainty of the hospital's future is weighing heavily on them.

Senator Michele Brooks also made an appearance at the rally. When asked about the state's plan to help save Sharon Regional, she was unable to give examples. But she said she is hoping that the state's work is not done until they can keep the hospital open.