Kaiser Workers Begin 5-Day Hunger Strike for Mental Health Reform

April 2, 2025 April 3, 2025

Editorial Staff

Hunger Strike for Behavioral Health Care Reform

On April 7, a group of workers initiated a five-day hunger strike in front of the Kaiser Los Angeles Medical Center at 4867 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles. The hunger strike takes place from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on April 7 and April 11, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on April 8, April 9, and April 10, as part of a movement to protest how Kaiser handles behavioral health care.

Participants in the hunger strike aim to highlight the need for improved quality and accountability in mental health services, which they feel are currently being treated as secondary. Those interested in supporting the cause can RSVP here to attend the hunger strike.

Symbolic Protest Against Systemic Issues

The week began with a silent strike to illustrate the silencing effect of the bureaucratic challenges faced by patients seeking mental health care at Kaiser. Many patients have struggled to advocate for themselves within the current system, often without success. Numerous patients have shared their stories and expressed support for the strike, which organizers believe exposes discrepancies between Kaiser’s public image and the reality of patient care.

Support for the movement extends beyond patients, with backing from professional associations, labor councils, elected officials, and community organizations. The message to Kaiser is unequivocal: prioritize patients over profits.

Coverage and Upcoming Actions

The protest has gained significant attention, with a leading story on the KPBS website reporting that Kaiser Permanente has not addressed 19 of the 20 mental health care violations identified by the California Department of Managed Healthcare from 2022. Despite a $200 million penalty, the report highlights ongoing issues with timely therapy appointments. Read the full story from KPBS here.

An additional picket is scheduled for April 9 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. during the Health Evolution Summit in Orange County, where Greg Adams is set to speak. Interested individuals can RSVP here.

Those wanting to join the picket line can sign up for shifts next week using the picket shift sign-up form.

Gallery and Social Media

Images from the picket lines can be viewed on the organization’s website, with additional photos available via NUHW’s social media channels on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.