Nurses Aid Occupy DC

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)A bright yellow tent in the middle of McPherson Square marks a new presence at Occupy DC: National Nurses United (NNU). NNU has pledged to support the occupation by having nurses available two days a week to help occupiers with any first aid or sanitation needs. Meredith Gade and Stephanie Rudert – both nurses at Washington Hospital Center – launched the effort on Tuesday, donning their distinctive red union colors as they answered questions and handed out supplies. “The only way we’re going to see change in this country is through a grassroots campaign” Gade told Union City. “This is where I feel like I need to be.” This is the second NNU occupation tent of its kind; the union has set up a similar tent in New York at Occupy Wall Street. The current plan is to have nurses in McPherson Square every Thursday and Saturday from 10a to 8p. - report and photos by Julia Kann