100% reimbursement for Certified Nurse-Midwives in Health Care Legislation

National Midwifery Week (October 4-10) is special this year. Not only are we preparing for the opening of the new PeaceHealth Nurse-Midwifery Birth Center but the news out of Congress points to the likely passage of legislation guaranteeing equitable reimbursement for certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) under Medicare. As of last night, it is now included in both the House and Senate health care reform bills. CNMs currently receive 65% reimbursement for the same services provided by other healthcare providers.

Watch C-SPAN’s clip of Sen. Kent Conrad’s introduction of the provision last night:




It appears that the only thing between CNMs and 100% reimbursement under Medicare is President Obama’s signature. Let the National Midwifery Week celebrations begin!

Cozmic Pizza Benefit a great success

Thanks to everyone for coming out for the Birth Center Benefit Concert Sunday evening! A good time was had by all and we raised $307. These funds have gone into the Birth Center Campaign Donation fund.

Many thanks to Kate Downing of the Low Tide Drifters for organizing the benefit!!!

Construction Update

Earlier this month, Friends of the Birth Center received a positive construction update from PeaceHealth. We are looking forward to a site tour in September. In the mean time, here are the highlights:

• Major site work and building excavation are complete
• On-site stormwater drainage facilities have mostly been installed
• The foundation has been poured
• Framing and the installation of underfloor plumbing and electrical systems are well underway
  

At this rate, babies conceived at the end of August
could be born at the new Birth Center!!!

Aug 23 Birth Ctr Benefit Concert at Cozmic Pizza

Come out for the Birth Center!

Sunday, August 23rd at Cozmic Pizza in Eugene

6pm bi-lingual children’s music with Bryan Reed

7pm The Low Tide Drifters

8pm Mollasses

$5 donation for adults, kids listen free.