Albert Lea native Marion Ross, who took part in a book signing Tuesday at Albert Lea Public Library, commented on the movement for local hospital services, according to a press release from the Rural Healthcare Coalition.

“I want to voice my support for the patients who are standing up for their health care,” Ross said. “I went to school with many of the seniors who will soon no longer have access to inpatient hospital care here in Albert Lea. My hometown needs a full-service hospital.”

Ross played the all-American mom on “Happy Days” and is an Emmy-nominated actress.

The release stated Albert Lea has a large senior population, as 22 percent of its residents are 65 and older. Their life savings are jeopardized by additional costs incurred for observation beds, which are outpatient, and travel expenses accumulated with out-of-town services, including inpatient stays.

“Seniors are greatly affected by the loss of so much of our hospital,” said Albert Lean Jennifer Vogt-Erickson, advocate for rural patients. “Seniors, more than any other age group, need a local ICU and other inpatient services. We are grateful for Ms. Ross’s support of our patient-led efforts.”