Dozens of residents in Hempstead braved the cold Saturday to rally, demanding more medical care in their community.

Residents say they need Hempstead General Hospital to reopen so people don?t have to travel so far for treatment. The hospital on Front Street was a 250-bed facility that closed its door in 2003. People who rallied say the hospital was a great asset to the community for employment and medical care.

Village Mayor Wayne Hall say it is unlikely that the hospital would reopen since the state has been closing so many facilities. However, Hall says there is room for a compromise with a possible diagnostic treatment center. The mayor says he wants to secure some funding first as the current asking price is $7 million. Community members say they plan to rally at least once a month until they see some action.