Community Efforts Secure Funding to Save Troy’s Burdett Birth Center

State Assembly member John T. McDonald III worked diligently to secure $5 million in state funding to keep the Burdett Birth Center open in Troy, New York. This was a crucial development for many residents, including Starletta Washington, who felt devastated when the city’s last hospital planned to close its birthing center. Families faced traveling to distant hospitals, a daunting prospect in emergencies.

Troy’s situation is not unique as hospitals across the country have closed hundreds of maternity units since 2010. However, the community in Troy found a more positive outcome. Residents rallied, uniting people from different political affiliations and backgrounds to challenge the closure, including activists like Starletta Washington, who emphasized the center’s significance to the community.

The hospital at Samaritan has been a staple in Troy since its industrial beginnings. The Burdett Birth Center became known for its patient-focused care, with a C-section rate lower than the state’s average. This appealed to residents like Lidia Zambrano-Madera, who appreciated its proximity and quality care when delivering her children.

Trinity Health, a large hospital system, cited financial losses as the reason for the proposed closure. This decision to relocate services to another hospital in Albany met with strong opposition. The plan initially came without input from the community, leading to a significant backlash.

Activists and community leaders, including Jessica Hayek, quickly galvanized public support. They highlighted the importance of Burdett and raised concerns about the lack of transportation options for many residents. Trinity’s focus on financial considerations without recognizing community needs drew criticism from both sides of the political spectrum.

Bishop Edward Scharfenberger and others voiced concerns regarding the closure’s alignment with Catholic values. Despite initial resistance, community leaders and state officials like New York Attorney General Letitia James joined negotiations to stop the closure. State funding, secured through bipartisan efforts, ultimately helped keep the center open.

The success in Troy illustrates growing skepticism towards large healthcare systems and their promises. As more hospitals close or consolidate, communities learn to question these organizations’ motives. The bipartisan resolution in Troy shows that effective collaboration can yield positive outcomes, serving as a hopeful example for others.