Health care workers from across N.Y. head to Albany to rally

Health care workers in New York are declaring a “code red” for health care services as they head to the state capital.

Thousands of workers from all over the state are gathering in Albany on Monday to call for state action to protect New York’s health care system.

They’re rallying against federal cuts they say threaten hospitals, nursing homes, home care and vital medical services across the state. The health care workers say the cuts will force care facilities and services to shut down, create longer wait times and higher costs for everyone and could lead to hospital closures.

“Ideally, the resolution is pretty simple if policymakers would allow for a budget that looks out for working people and allows them to maintain their health care, that would be great,” said Elizabeth Davila, administrative organizer for Rochester’s local health care union, 1199SEIU.

State Senate President Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Speaker of the House Carl Heastie and Albany Mayor Dorcey Applyrs are among those set to speak at the rally.