By Abigail Roberts
With over 4,000 signatures on a local petition to halt or delay the closure of the Fort Logan Hospital Birthing Spa, mothers and locals joined together Sunday to spread awareness.
A recent decision by Ephraim McDowell Health to move labor and delivery services from Stanford to Danville has mothers-to-be, providers and families rallying together in hopes of stopping or delaying the change.
Ephraim McDowell Health announced the decision – which they said will improve care in the community – on Jan. 16 and said the change will take effect Feb. 16.
If the closure cannot be stopped, the group is asking for more time to allow expecting mothers to deliver in Stanford and phase out the services over time.
A second family-friendly support rally has been scheduled to take place outside of Bates, Miller and Sims in Stanford on Tues., Feb. 10 from 12 to 4 p.m. at Bates, Miller and Sims.
“Heartfelt messages, statistics and creative posters are encouraged,” the group said. “We stand together—mothers and fathers, providers and patients, Amish, Mennonite, and English families alike—not in anger, but in resolve. We stand with faith that truth carries weight, that unity carries strength, and that compassion can still guide decision-making. Our babies deserve a safe beginning and our families deserve choice.”
The group braved the cold temperatures Sunday to help spread awareness.
“Even those who couldn’t stay long made sure their support was felt. People stopped by to share words of encouragement, waved as they passed, honked in support, and sent smiles our way reminding us that we are truly united as ONE community in this effort,” a petition update states.
According to the update, the petition is up to 4,076 electronic signatures. The group is encouraging people to join them again on Tuesday.
“Wear pink or blue, bring a poster, and come see us…even if only for a few minutes. Your presence, your honk, your wave, and your voice all matter. This community is shaken, but we remain strong. And we continue to stand together for mothers, for babies, and for access to local care,” the petition update states.
You can view the petition and updates here: https://www.change.org/SaveTheFLHBirthingUnit_CommunityPlea
