New Website Connects Obstetrics Crisis Activists to Decision Makers

The Henry County Medical Center (HCMC) Obstetrics Unit, slated to close September 1, 2023, has a new advocate. Northwest Tennessee Cares (NWTNCares.org) is a 501c4 created to raise awareness of this situation and generate action to help this vital unit remain in operation. 

Counties in danger of becoming what’s known as an Obstetrics (OB) Desert include: Henry, Carroll, Benton, Weakley and Stewart counties. 

“It is crucial that individuals in these counties log on NWTNCares.org to make this issue known to decision makers who can affect change in this health care catastrophe,” says Dr. Pam Evans. “This site is the easiest way to secure these individuals’ attention. It includes information about BlueCare, the insurance company that could help HCMC OB avoid closure by simply raising BlueCare’s low reimbursement rates to the higher rates they often pay to other Tennessee hospitals served by BlueCare.” 

Also included are opportunities to write, call and email decision-makers. Individuals also can volunteer to march, order free yard signs and call friends to join the fight.

“It appears that the only avenue left for our OB unit’s survival is to raise our voices loudly and continuously, but it’s going to take every single one of us from all five affected counties,” says Susan Jones, whose public relations company, along with several key community members, is operating the awareness campaign at no charge. 

The site makes it simple for individuals to learn about this struggle and do something about it, according to Andrew Wheatley, managing partner. “We suggest both calling and emailing these decision-makers daily. These are the people who can help us and they need to know that these five counties are serious.”

Wheatley is passionate about the HCMC OB Unit remaining open. “Our firstborn child had a complicated delivery that was life-threatening. My wife and child couldn’t have made the trip to a Jackson, Union City or Nashville hospital.”