Paris, Tenn.–Some 40 people–including a mother with her one-week-old baby delivered by Paris Obstetrician Dr. Pam Evans–gathered early this morning at Henry County Medical Center to show support for saving the OB unit at the hospital. Many who drove by honked their horns in support. The rally was organized by Northwest Tennessee Cares, the grassroots organization that has formed to lobby for the hospital’s OB department, which is slated to be closed September 1. The group carried signs that read, “Proud HCMC Baby”, “Proud HCMC Mom” and other positive messages. Organizers said the rally was intended to show support for the hospital, its doctors, nurses and employees. Hospital CEO John Tucker announced in May that HCMC will cease providing OB services on Sept. 1. Seeking ways to keep the hospital financially viable has been the main objective the last several months for Tucker and the board, he said. (Kelley Lassiter photo).