UUP & COMMUNITY STOPPED SUNY’S CLOSURE PLAN
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. announced a plan Jan. 16 to make drastic changes in the structure and operation of SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University. SUNY’s plan would relegate this safety net hospital to a wing in Kings County Hospital Center. Other health care services performed at Downstate would be farmed out to other neighboring hospitals.
But, after months of collective action from UUP and other union members, legislators, faith leaders, students, and community members, SUNY’s closure plan has been stopped.
While we celebrate this win, we must remain ready for our continued fight. The final NYS budget agreement included the creation of a nine-person community advisory board that will help inform decisions about SUNY Downstate Hospital’s future. Moving forward, we will work together to ensure our members’ voices and the community’s needs are heard and taken into account throughout this entire year-long process.
This victory is a testament to the power of solidarity and collective action. Whether you signed petitions, attended rallies, spoke up at community meetings, joined virtual townhalls, contacted legislators, wrote letters, or spread awareness through actions of solidarity – you played a crucial role in this win. It is because of our collective unwavering commitment and dedication that we were able to thwart this ill-conceived closure plan. Together, we have proven we are a force to be reckoned with, and together, we will continue to fight for a better tomorrow.
Sign up HERE to stay informed about the Brooklyn Needs Downstate campaign and share your story of why SUNY Downstate Hospital is important to you.
Central Brooklyn community marches to save Downstate hospital-News 12 Brooklyn, Brooklyn - 9/10/24
Downstate advisory board has yet to meet as deadlines loom-Politico NY, Albany - 8/28/24
UUP President Fred Kowal named to 2024 Labor Power 100 -City & State, New York City - 8/26/24
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