Community Mobilization Saves Troy’s Burdett Birth Center from Closure

TROY, N.Y. — The announcement that Burdett Birth Center, Troy’s only remaining maternity ward, would shut down caught many residents by surprise, sparking a vibrant community response. Starletta Washington, head of the local YWCA, expressed her disbelief, highlighting that such a closure would force families to travel over half an hour to access essential maternity services.

This struggle against corporate healthcare is not unique to Troy, as communities across the U.S. have seen hospital maternity wards close in response to shifting healthcare dynamics driven by mergers and financial pressures.

The Community Response

In an inspiring display of civic engagement, a diverse coalition formed to oppose the closure, encompassing patient advocates, elected officials from both parties, midwives, and mothers. It was a movement that transcended political divides. Mayor Carmella Mantello remarked on the unifying effect, stating, “Everyone just said, ‘We can’t let this happen.’” Activists united in their shared frustrations with the corporate healthcare structure, which they felt increasingly prioritized financial performance over community welfare.

This collective frustration was evident at numerous rallies, where supporters donned “Save Burdett” T-shirts and distributed signs in local venues. Surveys revealed concerning statistics — particularly, that a significant number of Troy residents lacked reliable transportation to reach an alternative hospital facility, exacerbating the potential risks associated with childbirth.

The Burdett Birth Center’s Legacy

Historically, Samaritan Hospital has served Troy since a time when the city thrived on local manufacturing. Its Burdett Birth Center has been recognized for providing patient-centered care, emphasizing deliveries through midwifery and reducing unnecessary cesarean sections. This model not only secured better health outcomes but fostered a strong connection within the community.

As the situation developed, Trinity Health, the Michigan-based organization managing the hospital, claimed financial losses as the reason for intending to close the birth center. Oversight came from Steven Hanks, who indicated balancing financial viability with sufficient staffing levels posed challenges for their New York and New England facilities.

Resistance and Resolution

The intended closure announcement met immediate backlash from the community. Obstetric staff and local leaders organized rallies, drawing attention to the inadequacy of Trinity's impact assessment regarding the closure's effects on vulnerable populations. The anger highlighted a larger narrative about corporate healthcare's disconnect from local community needs.

Community organizers, including doulas and birth educators, emphasized the depth of ties that residents had with Burdett, leading to a concerted effort to save the center, which had operated as a vital local service. Jessica Hayek, a doula involved in the campaign, stressed the misalignment between Trinity’s corporate mindset and community health needs.

A Bipartisan Solution Emerges

Despite initial resistance, the campaign received unexpected support from within the state government, with Attorney General Letitia James initiating an inquiry into Trinity Health’s closure plans. This drew in representatives from both political parties, highlighting a collective understanding of the necessity for maintaining local healthcare access.

State Assembly member John T. McDonald III rallied support across the aisle, enlisting Republican state officials to secure approximately $5 million in state funding dedicated to keeping Burdett operational. McDonald remarked on the unprecedented unity achieved through this fight, stating, “You had a Democrat and a bunch of Republicans all working together on the same issue.”

After nearly a year of community effort and advocacy, Trinity Health reversed its decision, announcing that Burdett Birth Center would remain open. This victory is seen as a testament to increased awareness and skepticism about corporate healthcare's promises, aligning the community's needs with local governance.

Looking Ahead

Lois Uttley, a healthcare researcher, noted that Troy’s story exemplifies growing public skepticism regarding corporate healthcare promises and a desire for more attentive, community-based healthcare solutions. McDonald encapsulated a hopeful perspective on collaborative governance, suggesting, “If we take down our swords, and put out our arms, maybe we can get something done.”

This article first appeared on KFF Health News and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.