Community Efforts Save Burdett Birth Center in Troy

State Assembly member John T. McDonald III, a Democrat, secured $5 million in state funding for the Burdett Birth Center in Troy, New York. This funding ensured the center remained open, an essential facility for this aging industrial city. Many residents, like Starletta Washington, head of the local YWCA, were shocked when plans to close the center emerged. ‘It was devastating’ she expressed, as Troy families would be left travel significant distances for childbirth if the center closed.

Since 2010, many communities have faced similar challenges, losing maternity units as hospitals consolidate. In Troy, community unity was key. People across political divides, including Republicans and Democrats, rallied to oppose the closure by Trinity Health, a large Catholic health system.

Whether you were Republican or Democrat, or if you didn’t vote, it brought everyone together.

The cooperation among locals highlighted a broader dissatisfaction with corporate health entities prioritizing profit over patient care.

Community Pillar

Samaritan Hospital, perched on a hill overlooking Troy, has been a crucial part of the community for decades. Its Burdett Birth Center became notable for its patient-focused approach, combining the skills of midwives, doulas, and OB-GYNs. It emphasized reducing unnecessary cesarean sections.

Burdett outperformed many state averages regarding cesarean rates, with only a quarter of births occurring through surgery compared to one-third statewide. Additionally, it recorded fewer preterm and low-birth-weight births. For residents like Lidia Zambrano-Madera, the center was ideal due to its proximity and quality care. ‘I wouldn’t go anywhere else,’ she shared.

However, Trinity Health, a Michigan-based system, announced the center’s impending closure three years ago due to financial losses. Such decisions left Troy’s families facing longer commutes to the next nearest hospital in Albany.

Strong Response

News of the planned closure ignited local opposition. Leaders, midwives, and activists swiftly organized rallies, and a community survey highlighted significant transportation challenges. About 25% of Troy’s population lacked access to reliable transportation.

This strong community connection to Burdett spurred a widespread campaign. Volunteers crafted ‘Save Burdett’ merchandise, and the community voiced their concerns over the perceived disconnect between Trinity’s management and local needs. Residents feared large health systems prioritized finances over community benefits. Jessica Hayek, a liberal Democrat and doula, remarked on Democratic and Republican shared sentiments towards Trinity’s corporate approach.

Trinity Health is in the Midwest, and they are not in the community. So when you’re just looking at the numbers, they’re not considering the community benefits.

Bipartisan cooperation did not end there. Elected officials from both parties worked collaboratively for a solution. A New York state investigation and public hearing further pressured Trinity Health.

Pivotal Turnaround

Amidst this backlash, New York officials played pivotal roles in the campaign’s success. Attorney General Letitia James launched an investigation into the closure’s impact. Assemblyman McDonald teamed up with various Republican officials to secure critical funding, crucial in reversing Trinity’s decision.

Lois Uttley, a healthcare researcher, observed a growing bipartisan skepticism toward corporate healthcare claims during Troy’s battle. She explained communities increasingly recognize how promises of improved care and lowered costs frequently went unmet.

The executives of these health systems will tell the community that joining a big health system will be good, but those promises often are broken.

Troy’s victory reminds communities of the potential in collaborative action. McDonald highlighted the broader lesson: mutual cooperation can lead to effective solutions.

KFF Health News, a national newsroom, offers in-depth reporting on health issues as a core program of KFF, an independent source for health policy research and journalism.