Woodlawn Health’s Maternity Oasis was awarded the Community Stars Award by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH).
This national award is given to one recipient in each state that demonstrates the most significant impact on rural health. Joyce Fillenwarth, the State Office Rural Health Manager, presented the award to the OB medical providers and staff.
Many maternity services in rural communities are closing, causing deserts of care. Woodlawn has committed to the community to continue services. On Tuesday, during the award ceremony, Dr. Chris Ricketts described the challenge that Woodlawn and other rural healthcare organizations face.
“It was not that long ago that we, as a hospital, were at a crossroads. It was a crossroad that all too many rural hospitals face. Our decision was whether to keep our OB department open or close it,” Dr. Ricketts stated.
Woodlawn’s OB services were losing approximately two million dollars a year at the time.
“The board, the administration, and the full support of the medical staff chose not only to continue providing maternity and newborn care but chose the harder and more uncertain path. They chose to make Woodlawn Health stand out in a desert of OB options,” he explained.
Alan Fisher, CEO of Woodlawn Health, gratefully accepted the award and praised the team who made it possible, “This award could not be possible without the leadership and directives by our Board and the dedicated staff of our Ob/maternity Department staff members and physicians who deliver excellent care to our community.”
Then, he expressed concern about other maternity services in rural areas in the state of Indiana, “I would submit, however, that these maternity oases around our State can close at any time without financial support from our State and Federal legislators. I would implore our legislators to look at other States such as Michigan, which provides 7.9 million dollars to rural and sole community hospitals based on OB services provided to Medicaid beneficiaries.”
Woodlawn is honored to be chosen for this award that highlights the excellent healthcare services by highly skilled staff delivered daily by a local team of professionals.
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