Samaritan CEO responds to backlash amid possible rural birthing center closures

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Samaritan Health is responding to backlash after plans emerged that the healthcare system is considering shutting down two birthing centers in rural Oregon.

Earlier this week, the Oregon Nurses Association rallied outside the Samaritan Health System Board of Directors Meeting. In addition, members of the U.S. Congress representing Oregon, including Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden and Representative Val Hoyle, all denounced the reported plan to shut down locations in Lincoln City and Lebanon.

Marty Cahill, Samaritan's new president and CEO, responded in part by saying nothing is a done deal — yet. In a statement, Cahill says half of the state's health systems are operating at a loss and that they are looking at all ideas that can lead to long-term success.

"No decisions have been made, and no changes to services are being implemented," Cahill says in an open letter. "The ideas we're exploring still need to be tested, shared, improved, and aligned with what our community needs — not just this summer, but for the long term."

No details on the plan for the closures is mentioned in the letter. However, Cahill does go on to ask for legislators to help them come up with solutions to the health care issues.

Marty Cahill's open letter addressing the issues surrounding the future of health care is below: