Marion County health providers are voicing deep concern after the Washington‑based Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic disclosed plans to stop offering maternity services at two of its Oregon sites. Starting in February, the clinic will no longer provide prenatal, postnatal or delivery care at the Salud Medical Clinic in Woodburn and the Lancaster Family Health clinic in Salem.
Impact on low‑income families
The two clinics have been a critical safety‑net for hundreds of pregnant women who lack private insurance, many of whom are illegal immigrants or seasonal farm workers. According to clinic staff, the facilities collectively serve roughly 400 patients each year, delivering essential care that would otherwise be unavailable to this vulnerable population.
Provider reactions
Local physicians, midwives and community health advocates described the decision as “devastating” and “short‑sighted.” Dr. Laura Martinez, an obstetrician at a nearby private practice, warned that the loss of services could force expectant mothers to travel over an hour to the nearest alternative hospital, creating barriers to timely prenatal visits and safe deliveries.
“When you remove a trusted source of care for women who already face language, transportation and financial hurdles, you are putting both mother and child at risk,” Martinez said.
Clinic’s rationale
The Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic cited financial constraints and staffing shortages as the primary reasons for the shutdown. In a statement released to the press, the clinic’s director, Carlos Ramirez, explained that the organization must reallocate limited resources to maintain existing programs in Washington, where demand has surged.
“Our mission remains to serve farm‑working families, but we are forced to make difficult choices to ensure the long‑term viability of our services,” Ramirez said. He added that the clinic is exploring partnerships with local health systems to refer affected patients to other providers.
Community response and next steps
Marion County health officials have pledged to work with the remaining providers to fill the gap. County Health Officer Sarah Jensen announced that the department will convene a task force of doctors, nonprofit leaders and patient advocates to identify alternative sites for prenatal care.
“We are committed to protecting the health of all mothers and babies in our community,” Jensen said. The task force will also seek state and federal grant opportunities to support expanded services at existing community health centers.
What families can do
Women currently receiving care at the affected clinics are encouraged to contact the Marion County Health Department for referral information. The department has set up a dedicated hotline (503‑555‑0123) and an online portal to help patients schedule appointments at nearby facilities.
Local churches and faith‑based organizations have also offered to assist with transportation and childcare for prenatal visits, underscoring the community’s commitment to supporting families during this transition.
Broader context
The closure reflects a growing challenge for safety‑net providers across the Pacific Northwest, where rising operational costs and a shortage of obstetric professionals strain the capacity to deliver comprehensive maternity care to low‑income populations.
Stakeholders hope that coordinated efforts among county officials, nonprofit groups and private practices will mitigate the impact and preserve access to essential health services for the most vulnerable mothers in Marion County.
Original reporting: Salem Reporter — read the source article.
