COMMISSION CHAIR SHANE M. ALDERSON                                          July 27, 2023

COMMISSIONER CHRISTINA WITHAM

COMMISSIONER BRUCE A. NICHOLS

BAKER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

The Baker County Board of Commissioners met for the July 27, 2023 Special Commission Session. Present were Commissioner Shane M. Alderson, Commissioner Christina Witham and Commissioner Bruce A. Nichols. 

1.      Call to Order/Invocation/Pledge of Allegiance

Commissioner Alderson called the meeting to order and led the invocation and the pledge of allegiance.

2.      Agenda Changes/Additions to the Agenda

3.      Scheduled Business

a.       Hospital Birth Center Closure Funding Discussion/Approval: Commissioner Alderson expressed gratitude for all working diligently to find a solution for the birth center closure.

            Ms. Heidi Martin, Executive Assistant, reported that on June 22, 2023, Saint Alphonsus Health System announced the impending closure of the Baker City Hospital's birth center on July 30th. Community concern arose, prompting the County emergency management team to collaborate with state, federal, and community leaders to preserve OB services. Senators Wyden and Merkley and Governor Kotek requested support from Secretary Becerra of the US Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS) for 6 RNs with OB training to staff the center temporarily. The County met with HHS to discuss their actions and funding for the nurses, estimating a cost-share of $8,000 per nurse/month for a total monthly cost of $48,000.00 and an overall cost-share of $288,000.00 for 6 months and $576,000.00 for 12 months. The County's cost-share would cover operational expenses, while HHS would cover salaries. A letter to Saint Alphonsus seeks their administrative assistance if the HHS request is approved.

Public Comment: Many citizens were present to provide public comment, including Rob Gaslin, Baker 5J School District Superintendent Erin Lair, Jerry Peacock, Paige Witham, Dr. Neil Carroll, Les Penning, Peter Johnson, Dr. Nathan Defrees, Jessica Allen, Paige Perilli, Julie Mespelt, and Tony Swart.

          Rob Gaslin of Baker City acknowledged the significance of community efforts and praised the achievements within 30 days. He stressed the importance of extending interim measures for maternal healthcare certainty and criticized the short closure notice due to the impact on expecting mothers. Mr. Gaslin also highlighted flaws in the current healthcare decision-making model, urging greater control for Baker City residents over such decisions.

          Baker 5J School District Superintendent Erin Lair expressed appreciation for community cohesion due to collaborative efforts. She stressed the significance of the hospital as a rural anchor and discussed the impact of reduced OB services on teacher demographics and the local economy. Ms. Lair requested consideration of local nurses in the healthcare plan and emphasized the importance of community-focused decisions.

          Jerry Peacock of Baker City spoke about the significance of seizing opportunities. He highlighted education and healthcare as key drivers of community growth and urged collaborative problem-solving. Mr. Peacock emphasized the need for data-driven discussions and practical solutions, expressing concerns about safety issues related to the hospital and winter travel. He called for effective cooperation to address these challenges.

          Paige Witham of Baker City presented 2021 census data for Baker and Canyon County, indicating that each County has approximately one birth center for every 16,000 members, of which about 50% are female. She highlighted the absence of maternal care facilities due to rural status, suggesting a community-funded women's clinic as a solution.

          Dr. Neil Carroll of Baker City expressed appreciation for recent community efforts and urged the Commissioners to consider costs for sustaining services. He emphasized the need for more planning time, especially for September's 14-15 women needing services, and proposed collaborating with Saint Alphonsus for a longer commitment to ensure stability.

          Les Penning, CEO of Oregon Trail Electric, thanked the Commission for their swift efforts in addressing the critical issue, assuring their organization's full support. He emphasized the issue's impact on the community's foundation, particularly in education and healthcare, and acknowledged the geographical challenges they face. Mr. Penning praised the Commission's long-term approach, pledging Oregon Trail Electric's resources and collaboration to resolve the matter effectively.

          Peter Johnson of Baker City expressed gratitude for the community's efforts and acknowledged their impact on families. He committed support of Anthony Lakes Outdoor Recreation Association for future projects, emphasizing their commitment to the community's success.

          Dr. Nathan Defrees of Baker City emphasized the importance of growth and functioning birth centers for maternity care, particularly in handling unanticipated obstetrical emergencies. He stressed the need for a stable nursing staff, proposed external mediation for support, and assured the community of physicians' commitment.

          Jessica Allen of Baker City reported that she is 33 weeks pregnant. She spoke about her experience seeking care outside the local birth center due to the extension only being 4 weeks, causing stress and challenges with new procedures. She advocated for a 6-month nurses coverage extension to alleviate stress for pregnant women while expressing gratitude for community efforts and hoping for a permanent solution to keep the birth center open.

          Paige Perilli, a Baker County healthcare provider and business owner, emphasized the critical need for comprehensive maternal care services. She shared her personal experience of a lifesaving-prepared medical team during an unplanned C-section and expressed concerns about relying solely on transportation for emergencies. Ms. Perilli highlighted research showing increased maternal morbidity and mortality rates in pre-hospital deliveries and the necessity for sustained long-term solutions. She appreciated the board's efforts and urged support for maternal care services to enable young families and physicians to stay and support the community they love.

          Julie Mespelt of Baker City expressed appreciation for the group's efforts but emphasized the need for longer-term action. She shared concerns about her daughter's transferred care due to hospital uncertainty and highlighted challenges faced by mothers lacking transportation and daycare.

          Tony Swart, Vice President of Finance and Operations at Saint Alphonsus thanked the Commissioners, Governor Kotek's staff, and Senator Wyden's staff for their support during a challenging issue. He emphasized the community's unity and his commitment to staying in Eastern Oregon to serve both the hospital and the community.

Discussion: Ms. Kim Mosier, County Counsel, praised the community's engagement and the tireless efforts of staff. She highlighted Senator Wyden's office involvement and mentioned two potential motions: one for funding and the other granting the Commission Chair authority to sign agreements out of session as agreements with State and Federal agencies and Saint Alphonsus needing authorization are anticipated. She acknowledged the partnership with Saint Alphonsus for future planning of maternity services.

Ms. Kathleen Cathey, Field Representative for Senator Wyden, expressed gratitude for attendees and their support. She highlighted Senator Merkley's active engagement, regular conversations with the Governor's office, and positive prospects for public health initiatives. She also noted Senator Wyden's commitment to supporting the County through the HHS process and beyond. She reported receiving a letter from Saint Alphonsus indicating a willingness to continue operations with the public health nurses. The nursing staff and the nursing union displayed no objections to the introduction of Federal public health nurses. She shared a nurse's testimony highlighting the birth center's life-saving impact. She emphasized ongoing discussions with Saint Alphonsus and the Governor's office. Ms. Cathey thanked everyone for their dedication and expressed Senator Merkley's eagerness to assist.

Commissioner Alderson moved to approve allocating up to $350,000.00 of Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund funds to secure 6 OB nurses to ensure continuing maternal care in Baker County and that the County will consider additional funding of $150,000.00 of Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund funds if extended services are needed. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Commissioner Nichols moved to approve allowing Commission Chair Alderson to enter into an agreement with Saint Alphonsus and/or State, Local, and Federal agencies outside of session for an additional nursing staff to assist with OB services. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Ms. Martin explained that the letter to Ms. Dina Ellwanger, Saint Alphonsus President/CEO, is requesting that Saint Alphonsus consider maintaining their existing staff during the time they can obtain the public health nurses through HHS.

Commissioner Witham moved to approve the Commissioners signing the letter and sending it to President/CEO Dina Ellwanger OF Saint Alphonsus Health System Eastern Oregon for commitment to keep the OB Unit open through the transitionary time currently planned for an additional 6 months. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Ms. Cathey clarified that none of the money approved goes to Saint Alphonsus. It goes into a MOU with either the State or Federal Government.

Commissioner Alderson thanked everyone for their support and expressed commitment to finding long-term solutions for continued services in Baker County.

4.      Other Business

a.       None

9.   Adjourn

Commissioner Nichols moved to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.

a. The July 27, 2023, Special Commission Session adjourned at 9:15 a.m.  

Respectfully Submitted,

Erin Linan

Management Assistant