Act today to help save rural health care

Redwood Memorial Hospital has been an invaluable resource for our community for over 60 years. As a former hospital volunteer, I can attest to how important it is and how grateful patients are to have such a warm, welcoming and competent facility close by. Emergency doctors, internists, orthopedics, geriatrics, pediatrics and OB-Gyn services are available, efficient and so, so appreciated by not only Fortuna but also our surrounding communities. I am proud to say that three of my grandchildren and three of my great-grandchildren were born at Redwood Memorial Hospital.

I’m afraid though that there is a huge issue confronting our little hospital. After being taken over by Providence St. Joseph Health last year, we have been informed of alarming cost-cutting measures on the horizon. We have been told, in no uncertain terms, that the birthing center, where so many local citizens have been born, will be closed in July. This drastic change will not only affect Fortuna families but also mothers and families in Petrolia, Mattole, Honeydew, Shelter Cove, Garberville and Alderpoint just to name a few. Any mom who has been through labor and delivery will understand me when they try to imagine traveling from Honeydew or Mattole all the way to Eureka. What an awful situation to put our families in.

I know that small, rural hospitals are having a hard time financially. But I also know that hospitals should not be profit making machines. They exist to support communities and our community has supported Redwood Memorial for over 60 years. Let’s rally together and help — understand how critically important the birthing unit is to Fortuna and our surrounding communities. Our county supervisor is already on board to help in any way she can. There’s also petitions available at local merchants that you can sign. Letters to our state and federal officials letting them know what is happening are critically important!

The squeaky wheel gets the grease. Let’s all be squeaky wheels and help Fortuna Hospital to continue to help us.

Norma Allman resides in Fortuna.