21 News was the first to tell you about a group that was raising money in an effort to save Trumbull Regional Hospital amid Steward Health's bankruptcy. Now, a similar effort is underway to try to save Sharon Regional Hospital.

A letter of interest from Meadville Medical Center (MMC) could be the lifeline Sharon Regional Hospital needs to stay afloat. The non-profit organization says its in the early stages of negotiation, but one thing is clear, they'll need help with funding.

As the debt-ridden Steward Health navigates through its bankruptcy, MMC does not want to preserve the hospital with their own funds. That means the money needs to come from somewhere else and it's not clear who that would be.

Sharon's City Manager Bob Fiscus says the city will do what they can to uphold its health system.

"There [are] challenges ahead of us, but I think Meadville Medical Center would be a great partner to help facilitate that process, and we are looking forward to a relationship with them," Fiscus told 21 News. 

Don Rhoten, an MMC official said without help, purchasing the hospital is not a viable option.

Fiscus has some ideas on who could contribute financially.

"I don't know if I can comment specifically on who could commit, but I think it would be a collection of a lot of different agencies, foundations, [and] different governments," Fiscus said. 

The total amount needed to buy the hospital is currently unknown. Rhoten said it could take a few months before a decision is made.