April 29, 2013
By Neal Tepel
Brooklyn NY – An important victory for quality public health in New York City had taken place Friday April 26, 2013. SUNY Downstate has withdrawn its closure plan for Long Island College Hospital in downtown Brooklyn. The decision from SUNY removes the immediate threat of closure.
Credit for the critical victory belongs to the many community and advocate organizations that participated in the umbrella coalition. The coalition was the driving force to stop the closure of this excellent medical facility. Organizations that need to be recognized for leadership in the battle to maintain community health services in downtown brooklyn include Cobble Hill Association, the New York State Nurses Association, 1199 SEIU, and Concerned Physicians. In addition, vital to the success of this effort was State Assemblymember Joan Millman, State Senator Daniel Squadron, Councilmembers Brad Lander and Steven Levin, District Leader Jo Anne Simon and of course City Council Speaker Christine Quinn.
This victory is a powerful reminder that communities and advocate organizations working together make a difference.
The fight to ensure access to quality healthcare to all NYC communities is just beginning.
