Harlan, KY – Harlan ARH Hospital has announced that it will no longer provide labor and delivery services at the hospital, effective Friday, February 28. This decision comes after careful consideration and reflects a steady and significant decline in demand for these services at Harlan ARH over the past several years.

While the hospital will close its labor and delivery unit at the end of the month, the OB Department at the ARH Daniel Boone Clinic will remain open through April 30 with physicians Mimi Boggs, MD, and Osama Amro, MD, providing care and assisting patients with determining a new location for delivery and if necessary, a new provider to continue their care.

The change impacts no other hospital services, and operations will continue as normal.

“This was not an easy decision,” said Joe Horton, Harlan ARH Hospital CEO. “For decades, Harlan ARH has had the honor of being part of some of the most special moments in the lives of our community members. However, with fewer families choosing to deliver at our hospital, it has become necessary to reallocate resources to better serve the evolving needs of our patients.

“We are also firmly committed to supporting employees directly impacted by this transition. The hospital will work closely with affected team members to explore similar positions available at nearby ARH locations or other open positions here at Harlan ARH,” Horton said.

Horton said expectant mothers are encouraged to continue receiving prenatal care with the provider of their choice to ensure a healthy pregnancy and to plan deliveries at other nearby hospitals. Harlan ARH has partnered with nearby ARH birthing hospitals in Middlesboro and Whitesburg to provide a smooth transition of care. He said both hospitals are well-regarded for their high-quality care and offer a safe, welcoming environment for childbirth.

For assistance in coordinating referrals, patients can contact Harlan ARH at 606-573-8201. Patients wishing to transition care outside the ARH system can request their medical records by completing an authorization form, which is available at the hospital by request.

Horton said that despite the closure of the hospital’s birthing department, the Harlan ARH Emergency Department (ED) remains fully operational and ready to handle any obstetrical emergencies that may arise. Our ED team is equipped and prepared to provide urgent care, stabilization and transfer for conditions such as rapid labor and delivery, severe pain, or heavy bleeding during pregnancy.

“We want to thank the families in our community for trusting us with the birth of their children over the years,” Horton said. “It has been a privilege to share in these momentous occasions, and we remain committed to providing exceptional healthcare services to meet the community’s other critical needs.”