Rev. Al Sharpton in Birmingham Friday

Activist and talk show host Reverend Al Sharpton was in Birmingham Friday morning to lend his voice in the fight for Cooper Green Mercy hospital.

Sharpton took part in a forum on the Cooper Green issue at 16th Street Baptist Church. He was joined by state Representative Mary Moore and Congresswoman Terri Sewell. Sharpton will also take part in a rally.

His arrival followed a Thursday announcement by UAB hospital that it would take in some of the patients normally seen at Cooper Green. Jefferson County manager Tony Petelos says he is working on similar agreements with other hospitals.

Commissioners say they do not expect Sharpton's visit to impact their decision to end in-patient care at Cooper Green.

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