Baker County Commissioners Voice Opposition to Birth Center Closure
By Joe Hathaway on Thursday, July 6th, 2023 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
BAKER CITY – The Baker County Board of Commissioners unilaterally voiced their opposition and concerns over the impending closure of the birthing center at St. Alphonsus hospital in Baker City.
The commissioners met for a regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, July 5, with the topic of the closure on the agenda.
Commissioner Shane Alderson said he prefers the center stays open and that the county has put together a group to explore the impacts on the county, which he says includes figuring out ways to provide services and transportation for expectant mothers once the center closes.
Alderson says he’s been in contact with federal legislators and the state on ways to keep the center open.
St. Alphonsus announced in June that the center would close on July 30 due to staffing and financial issues.
Alderson said the July 30 closure date is not adequate and that he’s working for an extension so that the county can have more time to find solutions.
Commissioner Christina Witham said the timeline given by St. Alphonsus was “ridiculous”.
Commissioner Bruce Nichols stated that besides the uncertainty and safety facing expectant mothers in the county, that other aspects of the closure include the risk of losing business, teachers and young people moving to the county.
“It’s going to be harder and harder to attract young people here,” said Nichols, “They put money ahead of safety and healthcare.”
The Board also heard emotional testimony from young mothers in the community, urging the county to help fight to keep the center open, citing safety and economic concerns.
The mayors of Richland and Halfway also voiced fierce opposition to the closure, citing the “already challenging” travel to Baker City from their respective towns for young mothers, especially during winter months.
