JONESPORT (NEWS CENTER Maine) -- After the Downeast Community Hospital announced it would be closing Sunrise Care Facility, the community was outraged because they feel there was something the could have done to help.
"Why wasn't it turned back over to the community so that fundraisers and foundations could be approached because $100,000 debt for a non profit is actually pretty small." Dr. Cathleen London asked.
When the community heard the announcement last week, they requested a meeting with the DECH board and CEO, Dennis Welsh. That meeting was Tuesday night and was the first time many people heard the reasoning to close Sunrise.
A member of the DECH board, David Whitney, related to the community members because he is part of the community as well.
"You know I cried when Ginny's restaurant burned, I cried when the church burned, and I cried over this decision. It was a brutal decision and we did not take it lightly." He said.
Although Dennis Welsh and the board agreed to meet with concerned community members, the plan to change Sunrise is still in place. The first resident is set to head to a new facility on Wednesday.