300 Rally to Save PG Hospitals

"Keep this hospital open! No more band aids!" demanded over 300 community, labor and religious activists at a Thursday rally in front of the Prince George's Community Hospital. "Those who can't go anywhere else need this hospital," said Debbie Wilkes, a neo-natal nurse at the hospital, "and those of us who work here want to save it. Band aids are for hospital to use, not government." The sun peeping through dark clouds mirrored the crowd's hopeful spirit in the face of the hospital center's possible imminent closing. With "less than 100 hours left in the legislative session in Annapolis," organizers urged hospital supporters to call Maryland Senators to demand action on a long-term financial solution before the Maryland Assembly adjourns. "Without this hospital's four facilities, there will be no healthcare for the residents of Prince George’s County," said SEIU 1199's John Reid. "I was born in this hospital," added UFCW Local 400's Tony Perez. "I work in Prince George's County and I live here, too. We need this hospital."
- story/photo by Chris Garlock