Team to access maternity needs in Baker County. Commissioner Alderson says, “Losing maternity services is unacceptable.”
By Shannon Weidemann (McKone) on Tuesday, August 22nd, 2023 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
BAKER CITY – (Release from Baker County) The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is sending a 3-person team to Baker County to provide an assessment of continuity of care needs following the scheduled August 26, 2023 maternity center closure at St. Alphonsus Medical Center in Baker City. The team is expected to arrive early next week and will immediately begin working with Baker County staff to connect with the ongoing efforts to protect maternity services.
Baker County Commission Chair Shane Alderson said, “I sincerely appreciate the way Senator Wyden, Senator Merkley and Governor Kotek have advocated for Baker County to get the resources we need to keep moving forward. Providing adequate access to care for expectant families is my highest priority, and we really appreciate how they have worked long hours to come alongside us prioritizing and valuing the health of our community’s mothers and babies. Losing maternity services is unacceptable.”
Baker County entered into an agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on August 17, 2023, for Public Health Service officers with obstetrics experience to come to Baker County and provide assistance for up to 30 days. This team will be supported by up to $75,000 of federal money Baker County received from the Local and Tribal Consistency Fund (LATCF). The team will provide an assessment of the care needs for pregnant women in the area after the maternity center closes, feedback to the County, and a comprehensive action plan to build from.
This assessment is an important step in creating a long-term plan. The HHS team will bring knowledge, experiences and backgrounds to lend assistance to Baker County staff as they problem-solve for both short- and long-term care needs.
