Newport Hospital has named the members of the Community Advisory Panel (CAP) who will assist in evaluating the future of the Noreen Stonor Drexel Birthing Center. The panel includes patients, representatives from philanthropic and community organizations, employees, and maternal health experts who will offer guidance and recommendations throughout the review process. The 12 panel participants are:
- Lori Allan, RN – The Noreen Stonor Drexel Birthing Center
- Carol Bazarsky – Newport Hospital Foundation Board
- Emily Blosser, MD – Obstetrician-Gynecologist, Medical Director, Newport Women’s Health
- Alex Hammer Ducas – Hammer Strategies
- Rebecca Homer, RN – The Noreen Stonor Drexel Birthing Center
- Rebecca Hurd, CNA, CLC – The Noreen Stonor Drexel Birthing Center
- Elizabeth Lynn – van Beuren Charitable Foundation
- Thomas McGue, MD – Newport Hospital Foundation Board, Former Newport Hospital Chief Medical Officer
- Latisha Michel, CLC, CBE, CHW – Certified Perinatal Doula, Ready Set Latch Go, LLC
- Sydney Ormerod – Women’s Resource Center, Newport Health Equity Zone (HEZ)
- Alexandra Quick, PT, DPT – Mae Physiotherapy
- Methodius Tuuli, MD – Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women & Infants Hospital
“We are grateful to the members of the panel for generously agreeing to bring their time, experience, and perspectives to an important dialogue about the future of maternity care in our region” said Dr. Tenny Thomas, President and Chief Medical Officer of Newport Hospital. “We look forward to working collaboratively with the panel. Their valuable community input is vital as we plan for the future of the Noreen Stonor Drexel Birthing Center.”
The panel’s first meeting is scheduled for November, with additional sessions planned through the spring of 2026.