Newark residents held a rally Saturday to raise awareness about the possible closure of University Hospital due to lack of funding.

The rally was organized by a community group called People?s Organization for Progress that says nearly 75 percent of the patients who rely on University Hospital do not have health insurance. The hospital is one of New Jersey?s largest, with more than 500 beds and 3,000 employees.

In the past year, five New Jersey hospitals have filed for bankruptcy, and three others have shut down completely, including Irvington and Montclair Community hospitals.

Officials with the administration of Gov. Jon Corzine have acknowledged the hospital's financial problems and say they are working to get them under control.