New Jersey Hospital Association is holding a rally at the State House on May 12 to protest the deep cuts to hospitals and nursing homes in Governor Corzine's 2009 budget proposal. Lourdes Health System will be participating and invites you to join.

This rally is a high-profile opportunity to show the Governor, legislators and the media the depth of the heath care community's commitment to fighting the cuts and preserving healthcare for charity care patients, the frail elderly and all New Jerseyans who depend on accessible healthcare in their communities.

CALL FOR ACTION
This rally is a health care industry call for action to restore the $143 million in cuts to charity care and to restore the additional cuts to nursing homes and other healthcare programs.

WHO'S ON OUR SIDE?
Senate President Richard Codey (D-West Orange) has agreed to lead the lineup of speakers to protest the deep cuts to hospitals and healthcare proposed in the state's 2009 budget. Other lawmakers who have agreed to participate are Senate Health Committee Chairman Joseph Vitale (D-Woodbridge), Assemblyman and Democratic State Chairman Joseph Cryan (D-Union) and the ranking Republican member on the Assembly Budget Committee, Joe Malone (R-Bordentown).

DETAILS ON THE TIME ON MAY 12TH?
Participants are scheduled to begin arriving at the State House at 11 a.m. with the official program of speakers set to take the State House steps at 12 noon.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Plan to join the healthcare community at the rally at the Statehouse on May 12th at 11am. A chartered bus will depart from Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center (1600 Haddon Avenue, Camden) at 9:30 a.m. Box lunches will be provided.

IMPORTANCE
This event marks a critical point in the budget process as the healthcare community highlights the magnitude of the proposed cuts with doctors, nurses, administrators, trustees, auxilians and various other industry representatives taking time out of their days to unite behind the cause.

Seats are limited, so if you want to join Lourdes' participation, send an e-mail to WilsonS@lourdesnet.org.