Union fights to keep Community Heatlh Center operating - children at risk

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.workdayminnesota.org/index.php?news_6_2748

Union fights to keep Community Heatlh Center operating
By Workday staff
13 October 2006
MINNEAPOLIS - Children and low-income families in south Minneapolis have counted on the Community University Health Care Center for 40 years, but it could close its doors if the center's board votes Monday to cut staff.
The CUHCC Board will vote on the proposed cuts this Monday, October 16 at 5:30 p.m. at 2100 Bloomington Ave. S., Minneapolis. The board is considering slashing more than 20 staff positions to begin paying a $2.5 million debt to its medical partner, the University of Minnesota.

AFSCME Council 5, the union representing clinic workers, will ask the CUHCC Board to postpone its vote until after the Nov. 7 general election.

“Monday is 23 days from elections that could dramatically alter our political landscape and create options that don’t exist now,” explained Gladys McKenzie, AFSCME field representative. “Clinic workers won’t abandon their patients without a fight.”

The clinic , which opened in 1966, has offered sliding scale health care to the uninsured. It is located in the Phillips neighborhood at 2100 Bloomington Ave. S. Nearly 93 percent of its patients live below 200 percent of poverty.

The union is asking people who believe in the University’s mission of public service to save the clinic by taking three steps:

1) Call CUHCC Board Chair Brenda Johnson at 612-387-2038
2) Call University President Bruininks at 612-626-1616
3) Attend CUHCC’s board meeting Monday at 5:30 p.m. at 2100 Bloomington Ave. S.

AFSCME Council 5 provides one strong united voice for 43,000 public and non-profit workers in Minnesota.

[UrbScotty]

1. Oh those healthcare-loving union liberals (nt)