Healtcare Is A Human Right!

We, the frontline workers of Delaware County’s 159th District and affected areas, are calling for the immediate restoration of emergency and trauma care in our community.

Our area lost two full-service hospitals, facilities that once provided trauma, burn, and stroke treatments. Now, no hospital exists within immediate reach. Families, elders, workers, and children are left without adequate care and here’s why it matters even more:

Chester is the only city in all of Delaware County and the heart of the 159th District. With its population density, infrastructure, and centrality, Chester is the obvious choice for building back better emergency care. Disinvestment here hits hardest and delays in treatment can mean the difference between life and death.

In response, a Philadelphia-based organization is proposing a limited urgent care clinic in Chester. But urgent care clinics do not deliver babies, treat trauma, or stabilize life-threatening conditions. This proposal does not meet our needs, it sets us back and with no confirmed model for whether it will be for-profit or nonprofit, transparency and community trust are already in question.

Meanwhile, neighboring communities like Aston and potentially Springfield are investing in micro-hospitals and advanced care. Chester, despite its status, is being asked to settle for less. There is no emergency plan, no hospital replacement, and no public process in our district.

• A halt to the proposed urgent care clinic until trauma and emergency plans are in place.
• A full-care facility in Chester, the rightful center of county-level care.
• A regional health equity review of infrastructure planning and investment.
• A public hearing that includes community leaders, EMT's, and impacted families.

• Use eminent domain to take back closed hospitals and protect our lives.
•  Help counties reopen hospitals as public, community-serving hospitals for the people.
• Create a statewide Public Healthcare Advocate, someone who answers to us and our needs, not Wall Street.
• Charge the profiteers! Hold hospital profiteers criminally accountable, those who took millions, then closed our hospitals.

The 159th maters and Chester deserves equal access, equal investment, equal respect and care that meets the moment. Your voice matters, sign our petition to make your voice heard!