On Saturday, hundreds of Howard University Hospital (HUH) employees and community members rallied to highlight the important role the hospital plays in the community. From providing healthcare to freed slaves during the Civil War to its current role as the only teaching hospital attached to a historically black college or university, the HUH, formerly Freedmen’s Hospital, has a rich history of addressing the needs of under-served communities with high quality healthcare.
Attendees demonstrated their continued commitment to their community with free health screenings and information about the services available at HUH. Members of 1199DC National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees (NUHHCE), AFSCME, which represents over 600 workers, are working together with hospital management to enhance hospital operations and improve the quality of care for DC residents.
“The women and men who work in Howard University Hospital understand the significance of the vital services they provide to their community and are committed to preserving and improving them. We have worked with the hospital administration to turn around the hospital,” said Wanda Shelton-Martin, District 1199DC NUHHCE, AFSCME, area director. “It is important that we spread the word that the hospital is open and provides high quality care to the surrounding community.”
The hospital faced tough economic times, resulting in lay-offs. Shelton-Martin warned, “if the community doesn’t return to the hospital, they will continue to have cuts and eventually close. It would be a disgrace to the legacy of one of DC’s most important foundations to have it close and hurt the surrounding community.”
Emergency services in the District are outsourced and patients select where they want to be taken, unlike the rotating system that previously existed. Workers and management alike realized how important it is that the community know that top-notch services are available right in their own neighborhood. Following the rally, the union and hospital management intend to launch their next campaign ‘Take Me to Howard’ to encourage residents to choose HUH. Often EMS drivers pass HUH on their way to other city hospitals.
“If we are going to survive and preserve the amazing history of Howard, we must all come together,” said Henry Nicholas, president of NUHHCE and an AFSCME international vice president.