Caregivers, many of whom helped raise standards in nursing homes this year by winning funding for the industry, will hold informational pickets in Orlando, Tampa and Hollywood, Florida on Thursday, October 29, 2009, 3:00 - 5:00 PM. The three simultaneous pickets will take place in front of nursing homes in response to contract negotiations that have come to a standstill with Seacrest and Delta, two of Florida’s largest nursing home chains.

WHO:             One hundred (100) caregivers from Delta Health Center of Tampa, healthcare workers from area hospitals, community members, elected officials

WHAT:          Informational picket and demonstration

WHERE:        Delta Health Center of Tampa, 1818 East Fletcher Ave, Tampa
        Rio Pinar Health Care, 7950 Lake Underhill Road
        Hillcrest Nursing Home, 4200 Washington Street, Hollywood

WHEN:          Thursday, October 29, 2009, 3:00 - 5:00 PM

VISUALS:      Local nursing home workers and healthcare reform supporters rallying, holding picket signs, home made signs and wearing purple, their union color.

BACKGROUND:
Florida’s nursing home industry approached caregivers to help them win funding for the Quality Assessment Program. The successful partnership secured a rare bright spot in Florida’s budget and the state was allowed to draw down federal dollars in order to enable the nursing home industry to fully comply with increased staffing requirements. The program was supposed to ensure that those who care for Florida’s most vulnerable populations are given the resources they need to provide these important services.

For three months, nursing home industry giants have blocked caregivers’ efforts to negotiate for affordable healthcare coverage and other basic needs.

Caregivers are requesting that the Florida Legislature require the industry giants, who are refusing to negotiate fairly, to disclose how funding for the Quality Assessment Program is being applied or rescind this program.