Press Conference for the Enhanced Safety Net Bill at Harlem Hospital!

Advocates Call on Governor Cuomo to Sign Bill into Law; More than 15,000 signatures collected across the State Supporting Legislation  

WHEN:

Tuesday, November 15, 2016 – NOON

WHERE:
Outside of Harlem Hospital: 506 Lenox Ave, New York, NY 10037

WHAT:
For the first time, legislation that passed both Chambers unanimously (A.9476A/ S.69486A) would provide a more targeted definition of our most vulnerable hospitals – those hospitals that truly treat the largest number of uninsured and Medicaid patients. The Save Our Safety Net Coalition is calling on the Governor to sign the legislation into law.

Our safety net hospitals have never been more needed by patients, especially among communities of color, immigrants and other working families, but our institutions are not getting the funding they so desperately need to meet the changing and growing needs of New Yorkers. Elected leaders, community groups, labor representatives and healthcare workers will gather in front of Harlem Hospital to call for passage of legislation that would ensure New York State’s safety net hospitals receive funding that is critical to providing quality care across the State.

More than 15,000 signatures have been collected from hospital employees, community members and health advocates in support of this bill. More than 70 community groups across New York State have written to the Governor.

This law would be an important way to address the injustice funding allocated to our safety net health care system. The bill would define an “enhanced safety net” hospital for public and voluntary hospitals based on patient characteristics, providing a level of stability for the State?s critical safety net providers. These hospitals are the backbone of New York State’s health care system. Millions of patients depend on them.

WHO:

Public Advocate Letitia James

Assemblyman Richard Gottfried

Council Member Inez Dickens

Council Member Corey Johnson

Representative of Council Member Ritchie Torres

Commission on the Public’s Health System (CPHS)

Committee of Interns and Residents (CIR) SEIU

CWA Local 1180

Doctors Council SEIU

District Council 37 (DC 37)

New York Immigration Coalition

New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA)

Judy Wessler