BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) _ The Rev. Al Sharpton will protest a decision to close the in-patient care unit at Cooper Green Mercy Hospital in Jefferson County.

The president of the Citizens Advisory Board, Sheila Tyson, said Sharpton's visit to Birmingham on Oct. 26 will include attendance at a forum and rally against the hospital's closure.

Tyson told Al.com (http://bit.ly/TeGe29 ) that the closure affects the poor of all races who need the hospital.

The county commission voted last month to close the inpatient unit and emergency room at the county owned hospital. Instead, the county wants to establish a new model featuring an urgent care facility and two clinics focused on preventive care.