Nashville Ministers Protest Meharry Cuts

More than 50 Nashville clergy have united in an effort to save Metro Nashville General Hospital as it faces a financial crisis that threatens the future delivery of vital services to uninsured residents of Davidson County, the education of more than 700 physicians each year at Meharry Medical College, and the jobs of more than 700 people in Nashville.

“Health care is a moral imperative, essential to preserving and protecting human dignity. As more Nashville residents become uninsured, General Hospital’s role as a safety-net hospital is increasingly important,” said Reverend Blaze. “This vital safety-net is threatened because of budget problems at both the local and state level. We need federal help to get through this crisis.”

He added, “The Metro General – Meharry Medical College partnership is a unique national health care resource that is deserving of federal financial support.”

NEWS CONFERENCE to announce a united effort by Nashville clergy to rally citizens and community, business, civic, and health care leaders as Metro Nashville General Hospital faces funding cuts.

Funding cuts threaten the medical care of uninsured citizens of Davidson County, the education and research mission of Meharry Medical College, and the Nashville economy because of potential job losses.

At the News Conference, a Call to Action will be issued to the community and to its leaders on Tuesday, March 31, 2009, at 5:00 p.m., followed by Community Rally at 5:30 p.m. at Watson Grove Baptist Church, 1415 Horton Avenue, Nashville, 37203, parking next to church hosted by Reverend Henry Blaze, Progressive Baptist Church
Reverend Judi Hoffman, Edgehill United Methodist Church and Freda Player of Change that Works Tennessee.

CONTACT: Rev. Henry Blaze 615-292-3362 or hblaze@comcast.net, Progressive Baptist Church