For generations, Copley Hospital has been honored to care for our community–not just in medical skill but in trust, compassion, and shared purpose. That’s why this moment is so challenging and so important.
Like many rural hospitals, Copley Hospital is facing some very difficult realities including financial pressures, staffing shortages, and aging demographics. Those realities are forcing hospitals across the nation to consider making changes they never imagined; changes that affect the heart of what it means to provide community-based care.
During the 2022 legislative session, Vermont passed Act 167, a comprehensive healthcare reform law aimed at improving the sustainability, affordability, and equity in the state’s health care system. Vermont currently faces a crisis in all three areas. Act 167 mandates collaboration between the Green Mountain Care Board and the Agency of Human Services to address these issues, specifically looking at hospitals’ finances, quality, and services offered. Jointly, they hired Oliver Wyman consultants to analyze the sustainability of all Vermont’s hospitals and made numerous recommendations; one being that Copley look at the viability of our Birthing Center services.
The Copley Board has taken that directive seriously. They are several months into conducting a comprehensive review of the Birthing Center–and despite pressures and rhetoric, are committed to a thoughtful and careful review to consider its future.
While beloved, the Copley Birthing Center has seen significant decline in use over the years. In 2006 it had a peak of about 310 births. Over the past decade we have consistently seen fewer than 200 births annually and this year, we are anticipating only about 110-115 deliveries. National standards suggest we need between 200–240 births annually for safe, high-quality care. Additionally, not even half of Lamoille County births occurred at Copley in 2023, meaning over half of the county’s expectant mothers chose to deliver elsewhere. Low volume results not just in quality concerns but in financial pressures as well. The Birthing Center is operating at a loss of $3 – $5 million a year.
These are not easy conversations. But while grief and frustration are valid, personal attacks and public hostility are not. Such actions divide us and hinder real dialogue. Out of an abundance of caution and concern for the safety and well-being of all involved, we recently made the very difficult decision to postpone the hospital fundraiser scheduled for June 5. This was not a decision we took lightly. But when a planned protest raised safety concerns, we had a responsibility to act. We remain hopeful that we can reschedule the fundraiser and continue to engage with our community in respectful and productive ways.
No decision has been made about the Birthing Center. A transparent process is underway, guided by expert consultants and informed by interviews with staff, providers, and community members. Every voice matters.
We know this is personal. We share the community’s deep connection to the Birthing Center. That’s why the Board is committed to a thoughtful and respectful process.
Copley has always embodied community. Let’s reflect that spirit now–by listening, staying calm, and focusing on our shared goal: the best care for our region, now and in the future.
Thank you for your continued trust and support.
Joseph Woodin, Administrator, Copley Hospital