Between 2002 and 2018, there were 137 rural ED closures and 82 rural ED openings, with a net loss of 55 rural EDs over the 17 year period. The greatest number of rural ED closures during this time was during 2014 & 2015 (13-14 closures per year), and the greatest number of rural ED openings during this time was during 2004 & 2005 (12-13 openings per year). Figure 1 shows the net number of rural ED closures and openings per year.
The change in the number of rural U.S. EDs varied by state. Figure 2 shows the location of rural EDs in 2018, and shading indicates which states had gained, lost, or retained the same number of rural EDs in 2018 versus in 2001. New Jersey and Washington, DC had no rural EDs in either year.
We are currently preparaing a manuscript to describe rural U.S. ED closures and openings since 2001.
Figure 1. Net number of rural ED closures and openings per year, 2002-2018.
Figure 2. Location of rural EDs in 2018, with state specific summary of net loss or gain of rural EDs since 2001.