WARREN, Ohio - The union representing most of the 944 employees at six Steward Health facilities in the Mahoning Valley plans to hold a “Save Our Hospitals Rally” Thursday evening in Warren.

Three locals from the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees union will gather near Trumbull Regional Medical Center on East Market Street at 7 p.m.

According to a media release, AFSCME leaders say they’ll join community members in a show of support to prevent the closure of Hillside Rehabilitation Hospital, Trumbull Regional Medical Center, and four satellite facilities.

Those attending the rally are expected to hear from AFSCME, Ohio Nurses Association, and Service Employees International Union leaders and members, as well as Warren mayor Doug Franklin, and Trumbull County Commissioner Denny Malloy.

“I want all our members to know that all the unions at Hillside and Trumbull have been working together so that we can keep these doors open,” said Art Johnston, Certified Pharmacy Technician, TRMC. Vice President, AFSCME Local 2804.  “We won’t give up on these community hospitals, and I hope the community joins us. I understand the uncertainty folks feel, but we have a better chance when we are united in our goal to keep these hospitals open.”

Trumbull Regional Medical Center has already started winding down operations after bankrupt Steward Health announced that it is accepting only walk-in emergency room patients.

Three objections to Steward’s local closure plans have been filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, including one from the City of Warren, Trumbull County, Warren City Hospital, Inc., and Western Reserve Health Education.

They are asking the court to grant at least 15 days for objectors to submit a bid on local facilities or extend the closure date from September 20 to November 20.