On June 5, local health care unions hosted a candlelight vigil to demand accountability from elected officials regarding the massive $1 trillion cuts to the nation’s healthcare infrastructure. This event is part of Seven Days in June: HEALTH IS PRIMARY, a nationwide mobilization uniting local advocates, healthcare workers, and public figures like actor Noah Wyle.

Last year, Congressional lawmakers passed over $1 trillion in health cuts–the largest healthcare rollback in American history–and delayed the most devastating human and economic impact until later this year. In Hawaii, roughly 41,000 people will become uninsured people because of these cuts. The damage is real: 15 million people losing coverage, 446 hospitals at risk of closing, and 51,000 preventable deaths every year.

“These cuts are a threat to my elderly patients, my family, and our entire community. Less access to healthcare means sicker patients,” said Mildred Diego, Certified Nursing Assistant, Hale Nani Rehab and Nursing Facility. “It is easy for Congress to make these cuts, when they are not the ones taking care of patients every day and hearing them worry about how much their bill will be.”

In 75 cities across the U.S. and Hawaii, local groups are organizing town halls, forums, and rallies June 1-7 to demand elected officials go on the record. At sunset on Friday, June 5, communities gathered for candlelight vigils to honor those already lost and the millions more whose lives are at risk if funding is not restored.

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About UNITE HERE Local 5

Local 5 represents 10,000 workers throughout Hawai‘i who work in the hospitality, health care and food service industries and is an affiliate of UNITE HERE, an international union that represents over 250,000 workers throughout the U.S. and Canada. For more information, visit www.unitehere5.org.