Nation's Largest Nurses Union to March in D.C. for Healthcare Rights

Largest U.S. Nurses Union to March in Washington, D.C. Against Health Care Funding Cuts

On March 12, members of National Nurses United (NNU), the most prominent union of registered nurses in the United States, will participate in the Mobilize to Save Our Health Care event in Washington, D.C. The union, known for advocating that health care is a fundamental human right, emphasizes the essential nature of Medicaid and Medicare funding for patient care nationwide. They argue that budget reductions will significantly impact patients' lives.

“Medicaid protects tens of millions of patients, and nurses care for them every day. Taking away their health care is deadly,” stated Nancy Hagans, RN, and NNU president. “This is an attack on children, on seniors, on patients who are pregnant or have disabilities — it is an attack on millions of our patients. We need to expand health care, not destroy it.”

Event Details:

Who: National Nurses United nurses

What: Mobilize to Save Our Health Care

When: Wednesday, March 12, 12 p.m. ET

Where: Starts at Columbus Circle, 35 Columbus Monument Drive Northeast, Washington, D.C., concluding at the U.S. Capitol

NNU vice-president Diane McClure, RN, will address the rally, saying, “This is a knife in the back for people across the country, from the biggest city to the quietest backroad. Cuts across HHS will defund hospitals and shut down care facilities. Medicaid keeps people alive, including through its recent expansion. Gutting one of the largest sources of health care funding in the country is going to sicken and kill our patients.”

In 2023 statistics, over 20% of Americans had their health care covered by Medicaid. In some states, including California, New York, West Virginia, and Louisiana, more than 25% of residents were covered through Medicaid in 2023.

In addition to Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) aiding millions, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) supports critical agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and National Institutes of Health (NIH). These institutions provide vital support that health workers depend on for safe and effective patient care. Additionally, the Veterans Health Administration (VA), the largest public sector health care system in the U.S., is facing potential funding cuts affecting its vast number of nurses.

The event on March 12 is organized by the Center for Popular Democracy, with NNU and other organizations striving to preserve U.S. health care systems. NNU, representing over 225,000 nurses, advocates for legislative changes improving nurse and community welfare.

Following the march, NNU will host a webinar on March 13 addressing the impact of Medicaid cuts. Speakers will include NNU President Cathy Kennedy, RN, AFL-CIO President Liz Schuler, Vinay Krishnan of Popular Democracy, and Jamila Headley from Be A Hero. The session is open for public and press registration here.

National Nurses United is the largest and fastest-growing union and professional association of registered nurses in the United States with more than 225,000 members nationwide. NNU affiliates include California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee, DC Nurses Association, Michigan Nurses Association, Minnesota Nurses Association, and New York State Nurses Association.