FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, August 4, 2022
Contact: Andrew Baker, 510-679-8420, andrew.baker@seiu1021.org

The following statement can be attributed to Theresa Rutherford, the President-Elect of SEIU 1021 and a longtime certified nursing assistant at Laguna Honda Hospital, in response to today’s announcement of multiple lawsuits surrounding the federal government’s termination of federal funding and mandated transfer of patients from Laguna Honda Hospital.

“Laguna Honda Hospital is more than just a hospital, it is a long-term home for many. Keeping patients at Laguna Honda, where they are provided some of the most unique and comprehensive care available in this country, must be a priority for our community and for elected officials at all levels. We support patients and families who are advocating to help stop the closure because we know it will save lives.

We understand how stressful and scary the last few months have been for workers and patients alike. Transfer trauma is a real danger for the people we care for, which is why our union is doing everything we can to get Laguna Honda Hospital recertified. We encourage community members to join us by contacting their elected leaders at all levels and asking them to stand with us.”