Embargoed Release: May 13th, 2022
AFSCME Members Oppose Governor Hogan’s Proposed Master Plan Closing Western Maryland Hospital Center With Gubernatorial Candidate Tom Perez
Hagerstown, Maryland- AFSCME Council 3 members are coming together to oppose Governor Hogan’s proposed 2041 Master Facilities Plan which calls for the closure of Western Maryland Hospital Center and other facilities. In the Maryland Department of Health’s “2041 Facilities Master Plan,” released in September of 2021, they state one of their goals is “Identifying strategic partners to transfer services from Western Maryland Hospital Center in Hagerstown and Deer’s Head Hospital Center in Salisbury to healthcare and community providers”.
Closing Western Maryland Hospital Center and Deer’s Head Hospital Center and subsequently privatizing them would result in a loss of over 830 state-run, licensed beds. These hospitals are part of the safety net that makes sure that all residents of Maryland are taken care of in their time of need. Staff and community allies are coming together to urge Governor Hogan to reverse his plan and save these facilities to protect the clients depending on these vital public services.
AFSCME Council 3 President Patrick Moran said, “This plan is another attempt to privatize public services despite the critical role these facilities play in providing middle-class jobs to Hagerstown and Salisbury, respectively. Our members are fighting for their jobs and fighting to ensure their patients have continued access to the vital public services they’re counting on.”
Ginger Noble, President of AFSCME Local 354 which represents Western Maryland Hospital Center said, “This facility is a pillar of the community. We are the facility that cares for those sensitive and delicate patients which require long term care and rehabilitation but cannot afford other means of care. We are their caretakers, family, and voice. There is no alternative. Keeping Western Maryland Hospital Center open is what we must do.”
When: Friday, May 13th, 2022, 3:00 PM
Who: AFSCME Council 3 Members and President Patrick Moran and Gubernatorial Candidate Tom Perez
Where: Parking Lot, Western Maryland Hospital Center, 1500 Pennsylvania Ave, Hagerstown, MD 21742
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AFSCME Maryland represents over 30,000 hardworking and dedicated employees in the Maryland State government and in our public higher education institutions. It is the state’s largest and fastest-growing union for public service employees. We Make Maryland Happen.