BREAKING NEWS: MAYO CLINIC TO STOP DELIVERING BABIES IN OWATONNA

Mayo Clinic has announced it will stop delivering babies in Owatonna beginning next month.

Chamber President Brad Meier confirmed the news Friday. “This is a big deal, and we are not happy about it,” Meier told the Times.

The packet for next week’s Owatonna City Council meeting also confirmed the news. In the packet, city officials said, “On behalf of the Owatonna mayor, city council and administrators, we are expressing support for the opposition expressed by the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce to Mayo Clinic Health System proposal to divert birthing services from Owatonna.”

The council packet went on to say, “Growing and attracting families is vital to the health of our community needs and economy and losing local delivery services undermines that effort. City officials concur with OACC’s statement and hope these services will be continued to be offered locally.”

No further details, including comments from Mayo, are available at this time.