By Mackenna Moralez, Associate Editor

Eight hospitals have left the Mississippi Hospital Association (MHA), and the reasons for the sudden departure are not clear. According to the Clarion Ledger, the mass exodus occurred shortly after a Political Action Committee associated with the MHA donated $250,000 to Democratic gubernatorial candidate Brandon Presley. 

The University of Mississippi Medical Center, Memorial Health System, Singing River Health System, George Health System, Forrest General Hospital, Merit Health, Ochsner Health Services and North Mississippi Health Services have all left the association. According to the Clarion Ledger, the hospitals account for some of the largest in the state by bed size.   

While no public statement has been made as to why each hospital left, letters obtained by the Clarion Ledger found that the hospital systems cited disagreements over strategy and a lack of faith in the current leadership. No letter actually mentioned the donation.  

MHA currently has 111 members, however that number still includes the facilities that are planning to leave.  

Mackenna Moralez is the associate editor of the facilities market.