CCMC Release
Kansas is ranked 11th among 20 states with the largest gaps in maternity care,
with 62% of rural hospitals in the state lacking labor and delivery services. Despite this, Clay County
Medical Center (CCMC) stands as one of the few lifelines for rural families, providing essential
obstetric (OB) services to communities in the region.
According to a recent report by the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform (CHQPR),
more than 50 rural hospitals nationwide have stopped offering maternity care over the past two years.
The CHQPR report noted “over 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable with timely and
appropriate care.”
As of 2023, nearly 57% of rural U.S. hospitals no longer provide labor and delivery services, leaving
many families with limited access to crucial prenatal, delivery, and postnatal care. Kansas is facing
this challenge directly, with 62 of its 100 rural hospitals discontinuing these services. Families in
areas without OB services must travel hours to access essential care, which can increase health risks
and stress. However, Clay County Medical Center, as one of just 38 rural hospitals in Kansas still
offering OB services, continues to play a vital role in ensuring safe births and maternal health.
Dr. Allie Lohrmeyer at Clay County Medical Center emphasized, “Access to maternity care in rural
communities is a critical issue. For many families, CCMC is the difference between having a safe
delivery close to home and having to endure long and potentially dangerous travel to reach the
nearest hospital with labor and delivery services. It’s essential that we continue to advocate for and
preserve these services to protect the health and wellbeing of our families.”
Despite the challenges faced by rural hospitals across the country—many of which struggle with
financial losses from maternity care services—the importance of retaining these services cannot be
overstated.
“I’m very glad that Clay County Medical Center has committed to providing obstetric coverage in
our community,” stated Dr. Eric Anderson. “It brings me a great joy to be able to take care of
Mothers and babies and I am happy that we are able to provide this service close to home.”
CCMC’s ability to maintain its maternity care demonstrates the hospital’s resilience and its
commitment to meeting the needs of the rural communities they serve.
