Valleywide : Health Care Workers Picket Medical Sites

Hundreds of nurses and other health care professionals spent their lunch break Thursday picketing the Los Angeles County medical facilities where they work.

Held at Olive View-UCLA Medical Center in Sylmar, Mid-Valley Comprehensive Health Center in Van Nuys and other sites, the protests were an angry response to a decision by the Board of Supervisors to close 28 of 39 community-based health centers, shut down six regional comprehensive health centers and eliminate outpatient services at most county hospitals.

The closures--to help close the county’s budget deficit--are scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.

About 30 protesters paced back and forth in front of the Van Nuys facility, blowing metal whistles to get the attention of passing drivers.

“A lot of people don’t even know that we’re closing,” said Janet Mahoney, a Mid-Valley public health nurse. “We’re trying to let people know what’s happening.”

Protesters waved placards proclaiming “These Cuts Won’t Heal!,” “Reed’s Budget=Welfare Riots” and “Where’s Pete [Wilson] When We Need Him?” Some wore their white lab coats.

Although the closures will be felt most immediately by the uninsured, protesters said everyone will be affected as health risks increase and more patients are diverted to private hospitals.

“What the general public doesn’t understand is these children are going to be going to school with chickenpox and colds and diseases,” said Christine Hermosillo-Exzab, a pediatric nurse.

“Most of our patients have no private transportation--they have to walk or take the bus,” said Debra Ross, a business office supervisor. “If they close us down, the nearest hospital is in North Hollywood, 13 miles away.”

Drivers appeared sympathetic. Dozens honked their horns--and at least a few were driving county vehicles.

“This is the first time in 18 years I’ve been afraid of them closing the center,” said Ross. “It just seems like the state doesn’t care about the public.”

Similar demonstrations were held at health centers in El Monte, Torrance and Los Angeles.