AFSCME President Honors Nurses Week Amidst Health Care System Challenges

The Facts -

Nurses play a crucial role in the healthcare system, providing essential services that range from responding to emergencies to conducting routine check-ups. With Nurses Week taking place from May 6 to May 12, the spotlight turns to the invaluable contributions these healthcare professionals make every day.

In recognition of this week, AFSCME President Lee Saunders offered a statement emphasizing the importance of nurses and the challenges they face. He noted, “From medical emergencies to routine check-ups, we have all relied on nurses for our health care. They are the backbone of America’s health system, doing the essential work of caring for patients, saving lives, and keeping hospitals, nursing homes, clinics and health departments running strong.”

The statement also highlighted the ongoing efforts by nurses to protect patient care amidst potential policy changes. Saunders pointed out the need to resist efforts by certain wealthy individuals and groups who aim to diminish the rights and safety of nurses. He stressed that proposed cuts to Medicaid by Congress could severely destabilize the healthcare system, leading to job losses for nurses, overwhelmed emergency rooms, and the closure of healthcare facilities. Such outcomes, he argued, would compromise the quality of care and disproportionately benefit tax cuts for billionaires.

“This week, as we recognize nurses for their compassion, hard work, and sacrifice, we must stand up to the billionaires and anti-union extremists who want to roll back their rights, freedoms, and workplace safety,” said Saunders. He further noted, “If these devastating cuts pass, nurses will lose jobs, emergency rooms will be overwhelmed, hospitals and clinics will close, lives will be lost, and everyone will suffer from poorer care. All to pay for billionaire tax cuts.”

Nurses affiliated with AFSCME have been actively engaged in advocating for their patients, organizing efforts to communicate with legislative representatives in Washington, and demanding prioritization of public health over financial gains for the wealthy. Saunders concluded with a call to action: “AFSCME nurses have been fighting tirelessly to protect their patients. They’ve been calling and meeting with representatives in Washington, getting organized, and demanding action. It’s time to stand with them. Join the call to Congress: put public health before billionaire wealth.”

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