The closure of the Ammonoosuc Community Health Services in Franconia, New Hampshire, has left many residents without access to essential medical care. After serving the community for more than two decades, the health center officially shut its doors on October 23, 2023, a decision linked to significant federal funding cuts impacting rural healthcare.
For Susan Bushby, a 70-year-old housekeeper living in the White Mountains, the closure marks a drastic change in her healthcare access. “It used to be just a short drive to get to the clinic,” she said during her final visit on October 21. “Now, I don’t know where I will go for my medical needs.”
Impact on Local Residents
The Ammonoosuc Community Health Services was a vital resource for many in the area, providing primary care and support services. With its closure, residents like Bushby face the prospect of traveling long distances to receive medical attention, a daunting challenge for those with limited transportation options.
Marsha and Kirk Luce, who also relied on the clinic, expressed their concerns over the loss of local healthcare. “We have been coming here for years. It feels like we are being abandoned,” Kirk stated during dinner at their home on October 23.
The effects of the closure extend beyond individual patients. As employees packed up the clinic’s reception area and moved equipment onto trailers, the community grappled with the reality of diminished healthcare services. The once-bustling health center had become a lifeline for many, offering not only medical care but also a sense of community and support.
Challenges in Rural Healthcare
Rural healthcare facilities like Ammonoosuc are increasingly vulnerable to federal budget cuts. With funding shrinking, many clinics are unable to sustain operations, leaving towns like Franconia to cope with the fallout. The closure underscores a broader trend affecting rural areas across the United States.
Dr. Melissa Buddensee, a physician at the clinic, lamented the closure, stating, “We tried everything we could to keep the doors open. This community deserves better.” The facility’s closure highlights the urgent need for sustainable healthcare solutions in rural regions, where access to services is often limited.
As residents adjust to this new reality, the question remains: how will they navigate their healthcare needs without local support? The loss of Ammonoosuc Community Health Services is a stark reminder of the challenges facing rural healthcare and the urgent need for policy change to address this growing crisis.
