Mount Desert Island area legislators release statement on MDI Hospital

Earlier today, the hospital announced plans to close its labor and delivery unit on July 1

AUGUSTA — Today, after Mount Desert Island Hospital announced it would close its labor and delivery unit effective July 1, 2025, the state legislators representing Mount Desert Island released the following statement:

Sen. Nicole Grohoski, D-Ellsworth; Rep. Gary Friedmann, D-Bar Harbor; and Rep. Holly Eaton, D-Deer Isle:

“This news is upsetting to us and our constituents who rely on MDI Hospital’s exceptional care to help bring happy and healthy babies into one of the most beautiful areas in the state. Having to travel long distances to give birth safely can be an enormous burden on families during a stressful time – especially those who live on our island communities that aren’t connected to the mainland. While we know this decision was not made lightly, we believe there is still time to preserve the labor and delivery unit while maintaining the strength of MDI Hospital overall. We urge community members to come together, raise their voices and seek a thoughtful solution that maintains access to this service for the people of Mount Desert Island. As legislators and community leaders, we are ready to work with all involved to preserve access to this critical healthcare service.”

MDI Hospital is expected to hold a town forum in the coming days, with details to be confirmed. The nurses union is also holding a public forum on Sunday, March 30 at 4 p.m. at the YWCA of MDI.