A petition recently launched by Providence workers in Humboldt County unleashed a flood of comments from community members about the Washington State-based corporation’s systemic slashing of vital healthcare services that Humboldt residents have relied on for generations.

Providence has shuttered the birthing center at Redwood Memorial Hospital, closed the only inpatient acute rehabilitation center in Humboldt County, and sold off its outpatient labs.

Here is a selection of comments received from people who signed the petition:

Let’s not strip our community of anymore medical assets and put back birthing facilities at Redwood Memorial and lab services in our community. We need to keep our people in this community and not force them to move away because of lack of medical services.
Linda
Fortuna

Healthcare in this area is bleak. Cutting services and care any more is unfathomable. Patients and the community already have compromised access to services and laboratory results. First do no harm and staff the hospital appropriately!
Amber
Arcata

Limiting vital services while not providing sufficient access to residents is criminal negligence. Their takeover of so many practices in the region has created a stranglehold on care.
John
Eureka

We are a rural community. Cutting critical medical support will end in death for some.
Donna
Eureka

As a recovering cancer patient, it is important that lab testing and results be local and not sent out of the area.
April
Arcata

Stop Providence from eliminating medical services needed in our community. They have a moral responsibility to provide care to the population they are supposed to be serving.
Pat
Eureka

Keep healthcare services available for Humboldt County. No more cuts!  Remember the legacy of the Sisters who started Redwood Memorial and St. Joseph.  
Diana
Fortuna

Our community is so remote; patients in emergency situations will not survive being transported 3-5 hours away (closest major hospitals). How dare they take over our beloved St. Joseph and then cut critical procedures. Shame on Providence!
Cynthia
Loleta