Elected officials, community activists and Jackson caregivers packed today’s Financial Recovery Board meeting to oppose plans to privatize Jackson’s ER services.
Jackson’s leaders have put out a request for proposals to contract out services in the ER, including the Roxcy Bolton Rape Treatment Center. Community members — including Roxcy Bolton herself – have responded in outrage. Bolton was sitting in the front row of today’s meeting beside her daughter, Bonnie. Other high-profile guests in the audience included Senator Gwen Margolis, Miami Dade County Commissioner Barbara Jordan, former County Commissioner Natacha Seijas and former County Commissioner Larry Hawkins.
“The private sector can’t do anything better than the people you have here,” Commissioner Jordan told Financial Recovery Board members. “The emergency room is the heart beat of Jackson Memorial Hospital. I would like this board to consider stopping this proposal.”
Some FRB members voiced concerns over the proposal at the meeting, including Darryl Sharpton and Joaquin del Cueto.
“I am coming out full blast at the next meeting,” Sharpton said. “I have real problems with this.”
Board member Mojdeh Khaghan suggested the item be put on the agenda for next FRB meeting on Thursday, September 13th. Del Cueto agreed and suggested having a public hearing during the procurement committee meeting, which he chairs.
Let’s continue to put pressure on the FRB to STOP this dangerous privatization proposal.
1.) Come to the FRB meeting on Thursday, Sept. 13th (time to be announced)
2.) Call FRB members today! Tell them: “I am calling on you to direct Jackson’s management to cancel this dangerous privatization proposal. You will be altering our public hospital’s mission. Our community deserves better!” CONTACT FRB
Joe Arriola
Telephone: 305-934-6551
joearriola1@gmail.com
Marcos Jose Lapciuc
Telephone: 305-585-8625
MarcosJose.Lapciuc@jhsmiami.org
Michael Bileca
Telephone: 305-274-2499
mbileca@towncaredental.com
Stephen S. Nuell
Telephone: 305-441-1122
Snuell@nuellandpolsky.com
Joaquin del Cueto
Telephone: 305-494-4497
jdelcueto@aol.com
Mojdeh L. Khaghan
Telephone: 305-772-4444
mlk@morganreed.com
Darryl K. Sharpton
Telephone: 305-374-1574
dks@sbccpa.com
