The CEO of a group describing itself as a faith-based healthcare organization says it is still committed to taking over Sharon Regional Medical Center following the hospital's recent court-ordered closure date of January 6.

In a news release issued Tuesday, Yates Medical Group CEO Benjamin Yates said his organization aims to reinvest revenue into the community, expand healthcare access, and improve patient care.

The Yates Medical Group was formed in July with the sole intention of purchasing not only Sharon Regional but also Trumbull Regional Medical Center and Hillside Rehabilitation Hospital, all of which were threatened by closure in the wake of bankruptcy proceedings by their owner, Steward Healthcare. Trumbull Regional and Hillside have since been acquired by the non-profit, Insight Foundation of Ohio.

The Yates Medical Group, which has never owned a hospital before, has not disclosed how much it is offering to buy Sharon Regional’s facilities and the property on which they sit.

Yates says his group has expressed interest in acquiring SRMC since June and has met with Governor Shapiro’s office, local city leaders, and other stakeholders.

“We have also been amenable to every request of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, including operating the hospital as a nonprofit, funding the operating costs without help from the state, purchasing the land instead of leasing it, partnering with the community to ensure good oversight, maintaining all lines of service, operating the hospital in the most efficient manner, etc.,” according to Yates.

However, Yates says it has not received approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Attorney General’s office to acquire Sharon Regional.

21 News will be reaching out to state officials to ask why they have not approved Yates's proposal.

People still hoping to save the hospital plan to conduct another rally at 6 p.m. Thursday, January 2.

According to a Facebook post, the rally will begin with a prayer in front of the hospital.