Laurel Regional Hospital,originally slated to close, is staying open, thanks in part to efforts by 1199 SEIU. After Dimensions Health System announced plans last year to shutter the hospital, 1199 SEIU members engaged in months of advocacy, a series of town hall meetings and the passage of an emergency bill in the Maryland General Assembly requiring greater transparency by a hospital prior to announcing a closure. LRH caregivers joined Prince George's County elected officials and the Laurel community at a press conference in mid-July, for an announcement that the hospital will now delay further service cuts. “As caregivers, my colleagues and I are pleased that we can continue providing quality care to our patients and community,” said 1199 member Cynthia Medavarapu (left), a registered nurse at LRH. 1199’s critical role in keeping the hospital open was acknowledged by several elected officials during their remarks. Read more