Peace-Health to Prioritize Mother’s Day Groundbreaking

PRESS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Peace-Health to Prioritize Mother’s Day Groundbreaking for the New Birth Center at RiverBend 

Eugene, OR – February 13, 2009 – Eight Birth Center moms, members of the Lane County Friends of the Birth Center Steering Committee, met with Mel Pyne, Oregon Region PeaceHealth CEO, and his Executive Team this morning. Pyne invited Lane Co FBC to discuss concerns about delays in the Birth Center’s relocation adjacent to Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend. He assured Lane Co FBC of his personal support for the Birth Center, as did members of his Executive Team.

Pyne committed to mobilize the necessary resources for a Mother’s Day groundbreaking. This milestone remains contingent on reaching the remaining fundraising goal of approximately $250,000 and the sale of the current facility. Pyne’s Executive Team identified these goals as achievable. A timeline incorporating the continued involvement of Pyne’s Executive Team will be developed.

Lane Co FBC emphasized the importance of Foundation Director Rueben Mayes’ continuing leadership for the fundraising committee’s success in the next six weeks. The group looks forward to partnering with the SHMC Foundation for an upcoming public fundraiser.

Evidenced by more than 800 online petition signatures, the Birth Center enjoys broad community support. Always steady, the demand for Birth Center care increased 75% last year. Births attended by certified nurse-midwives far exceed the national average – 20% in comparison to 11%. Reasons for this growth include preference for the midwifery model of care, affordability and a desire to be in a home-like setting within the healthcare delivery system.

In an effort to draw attention to and humanize the importance of continued access to Birth Center services, local families collaborated on an online video tribute. It can be viewed on the Lane County Friends of the Birth Center’s blog:

www.viddler.com/explore/LaneCoFBC/videos/1/

Online Petition: http://www.petitiononline.com/birthctr/petition.html

Blog: http://www.lanecofbc.blogspot.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=40048856835

 

Contact:

Katharine Gallagher

Communications Officer

Lane County Friends of the Birth Center

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lanecofbc@gmail.com

 

 

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