Central New York Citizen Action and its allies are holding a vigil in response to federal cuts to health care, hospitals, and popular social services. Congress has failed to renew funding for critical health care programs like DSH (Disproportionate Share Hospital) and CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program), which jeopardizes access to health care for lower income residents and threatens hospitals across the state. Other services at risk include food stamps, housing assistance and education funding.
The evening will start with chants and songs, followed by the lighting of candles and speeches from directly impacted members of the community, whose voices will be amplified through use of the “people’s mic.”
In terms of local DSH health care impacts, Faxton – St. Luke’s Healthcare stands to lose $3,748,830 and St. Elizabeth’s stands to lose $2,692,792 in Medicaid payments alone. It’s unclear what the impact would be on the operational capabilities of area hospitals if these cuts go through.
Who: Citizen Action of New York, Central New York Citizen Action, Indivisible Mohawk Valley, SEIU 1199, concerned health care practitioners and members of the community
What: Health Care Vigil
When: 5:30 – 7 pm, Thursday, October 19
Where: Oneida Square Roundabout, Genesee Street, Utica, NY 13501
