Newport Leaders Unveil 53-Page Plan to Keep Birthing Center Open as Funding Work Continues

More than 400 babies are born every year at Newport Hospital's Noreen Stonor Drexel Birthing Center. It is the only labor and delivery facility on Aquidneck Island. Local leaders say the work to keep it open is not finished.

They unveiled a 53-page plan at a public meeting Monday, Nov. 9, 2026, according to reporting by Maddie Heimsch of NBC 10 WJAR. The report, titled "Protecting the Future of Maternity Care in Newport County," comes after Brown University Health nearly closed the center in 2025.

How the center stayed open

Brown University Health ultimately announced the center would remain open contingent on $4.9 million in annual funding from state and philanthropic sources, as well as increased revenue.

After that announcement, Gov. Dan McKee included $1.6 million for the center in the state budget. Rep. Lauren Carson of Newport described it as taxpayer money in the budget that went toward the shortfall. NBC 10 did not say how much of the $4.9 million that covers.

Carson said the legislature had a few wins and the money was found to keep the center open, but she stressed that it is not over. She said she hopes to pursue additional funding solutions when the legislature reconvenes in January.

What the plan recommends

The plan calls for increased visibility, more births and long-term funding solutions. Its five recommendations include creating a community council, establishing a residency program and developing a marketing plan. NBC 10's account names three of the five.

Awareness was a theme at the meeting. Tyler Grimes of Newport, who gave birth at the center two years ago, wants to see more births there and more prominent advertising.

Ashley Fitzsimmons of Portsmouth said she was shocked to learn the center existed, since it is 10 minutes from her house. She said there was truly no reason for her to go to Women & Infants.

If the money falls short

Carson and other local leaders said it remains unclear what Brown University Health would do if the remaining funding cannot be secured. They warned that closing the center could affect families and place additional demands on municipal services.

"What will happen is we'll be relying on city services to drive women up to other hospitals," Carson said.

Right after Carson's comment, NBC 10 quoted Michael Fine, president of Primary Care for All Americans, citing a number of adverse maternal outcomes.