Save CMH Coalition warns trustees that proposed Columbia Memorial Hospital downsizing would worsen access for older and low‑income residents

Sara Couch of the Save CMH Coalition briefed the Village of Catskill Board of Trustees on a community-led Health Equity Impact Assessment concerning proposed reductions at Columbia Memorial Hospital. Couch said the coalition collected more than 1,000 petition signatures and more than 455 survey responses, and reported that 88.4 percent of survey respondents live within CMH's service area. The coalition's report warned that cutting inpatient and intensive-care capacity could disproportionately affect older adults, low-income households and residents without reliable transportation.

The presentation summarized community interviews and local transportation analyses that the coalition says show regional hospitals and EMS are already operating near capacity. The assessment cited demographic data showing higher shares of older adults in Columbia and Greene counties and warned that increased travel distances (25–45 miles to alternative facilities for some residents) and notable rideshare costs could deter care-seeking and worsen outcomes for time-sensitive conditions. The trustees received the presentation; the minutes record no board vote or formal action in response at this meeting.