Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Monday, February 10th 2025
Contact: info@cpcqc.org
Denver, CO – (February 10th, 2025)–As Colorado’s leading institution dedicated to improving perinatal health outcomes for mothers and infants, the Colorado Perinatal Care Quality Collaborative (CPCQC) responded to the Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center (AVRMC) announcement of the closure of its obstetric services, effective April 30, 2025.
“The decision to close obstetric services at AVRMC, as stated by their leadership, was driven by significant financial losses, low birth volumes, underfunding from Colorado Medicaid, and staffing shortages—highlighting the dire situation faced by rural healthcare facilities in maintaining essential maternity care services,” said Rebecca Alderfer, CPCQC Executive Director. “The loss of labor and delivery services in this region underscores the urgent need for systemic changes to address financial sustainability, workforce shortages, and enhanced training to support access safe and equitable perinatal care across the state.”
Based on utilization data reviewed by the Colorado Hospital Association, six L&D units have closed in Colorado since 2018. Four of these closures have occurred in rural areas and two in urban areas. One additional rural hospital temporarily closed its L&D unit and then reopened due to a community-driven response. CHA’s analysis shows that, on average, patients drive more than 100 miles to receive maternity care in several counties in eastern and southern Colorado.
The solutions to sustaining maternity care services in rural communities across the state are complex. CPCQC works with partners to assess the role of technology, telehealth, safe transfers to higher acuity settings, new financing models, and workforce capacity building, among others, to create a network of obstetric support and safety across the state.
Alderfer added, “The time for investing more, not less, in maternal and infant health is now! With increasing maternal and infant mortality, it is imminent that we lead on reducing the preventable causes of these deaths, ensure that safety and accountability are integrated into all birthing facilities, and improve the continuity of care from pregnancy throughout the first year postpartum.”
About CPCQC: CPCQC works on the front lines of perinatal care, collaborating directly with medical organizations, healthcare providers, state and federal policymakers, patients, and community organizations. Our mission is to ensure that mothers, birthing individuals, and their families in Colorado receive safe, equitable, and high-quality care, regardless of who they are or where they live. Through innovative programs, advocacy, and partnerships, CPCQC strives to address systemic challenges and improve maternal and infant health outcomes across the state. Learn more at cpcqc.org.
