Federal Report Recommends New Birth Center as Baker County Strategizes Short-Term Solutions
By Joe Hathaway on Thursday, September 14th, 2023 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
BAKER COUNTY — A new federal report states that St. Alphonsus’ decision to close its Baker City birthing center puts expectant parents at risk and recommends Baker County leaders look for ways to get a new birthing center.
The U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps visited Baker County last month at the invitation of Baker County Commissioners, as well as Senators Ron Wyden, Jeff Merkley and Governor Tina Kotek.
This past week, the Corps released its report on its assessments of maternity care in the county and provided an outline of recommendations on what county leaders can do to help in the short and long term.
The report stated that St. Alphonsus did not do enough to ensure a smooth transition for expectant mothers before closing its birthing center, including providing sufficient information on where those mothers could look elsewhere for care.
It also highlighted the transportation risks of pregnant women, especially during winter months. That concern was one of the most commonly brought up by Baker County residents before the center closed, as the nearest birthing center is in La Grande. The report states those transportation concerns also affect ambulance staff at Priority Ambulance, who are also worried about dangerous road conditions.
Baker County Commision Chair Shane Alderson he’s working with Baker County Emergency Manager Jason Yencopal on finding solutions to the question of transportation and other issues.
“The important thing right now is getting information out to expectant mothers and their families of what’s available and also trying to continue with the transportation gap and service.” said Alderson.
“We are working to identify all of our local resources and see where there may be gaps in services,” said Yencopal. “While our focus is on those who are affected by the OB department closing, it may actually aid others that have to seek medical care outside of Baker County as well”
Alderson said that the county is also working with Community Connections of Northeast Oregon to help with the transportation issue.
Alderson says that in the short-term, the county is working on producing brochures to be handed out at local health facilities and possibly setting up a hotline for those who are seeking information on maternity care options.
“We want something that we can get in the hands of people that have definitive answers, where’s care, where can you have babies, where can you get services.” said Alderson.
The authors of the report also suggest that in the long-term, the county collaborates with the state to establish a long-term solution for replacing the St. Alphonsus birth center. They have put forth various recommendations, one of which involves inviting a new organization to lease the currently unused maternity ward space at St. Alphonsus. This organization could potentially establish a publicly funded birth center as part of a health district.
Alderson expressed his appreciation for the Corps’ recognition of the need for a birth center. However, he cautioned that it is still premature to determine the specific course of action the county will take. This is because the county is currently focused on addressing the immediate issue of connecting residents with the limited remaining maternity services available.
The full report by the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps is linked below.
