Gov. Dan McKee’s administration on Friday submitted a budget amendment that would provide $1.6 million in additional funding to Newport Hospital’s Noreen Stonor Drexel Birthing Center, the governor’s office announced Monday.
The funding would be exclusive to the birthing center and contingent on its continued operation.
The proposal comes in direct response to financial challenges identified by Brown University Health regarding the continued operation of the center.
“My administration continues to prioritize women’s health care, and that includes maternal health care,” McKee said. “We understand what a critical community resource the Newport Birthing Center is, and while our behind-the-scenes advocacy with Brown University Health helped keep the Newport Birthing Center open to date, this proposal puts additional state resources behind protecting access to local maternal health care services for Rhode Island families.”
Brown University Health has publicly called for $4.9 million in additional funding to keep the birthing center open. McKee’s proposed amendment aligns with legislation submitted by Rep. Lauren Carson, a Democrat representing District 75 in Newport, which apportions the $4.9 million across three pools — state general revenue, Brown University Health and philanthropy.
