The United University Professions (UUP) union was at the state capitol on Tuesday rallying to keep SUNY Downstate Hospital open amid imminent closure.
UUP, the nation’s largest higher education union, was joined by elected officials from across New York City as well as leaders from numerous statewide unions like the American Federation for Teachers, New York State United Teachers and Public Employees Federation in their calls to Governor Kathy Hochul and SUNY’s Chancellor John B. King Jr. to stop plans to close the hospital.
SUNY Downstate is the only state-run hospital in New York City and serves a large community in Brooklyn, many of whom are low-income residents and people of color. After years of underfunding coupled with structural issues, Governor Hochul and SUNY in January announced a “transformative” plan to establish a path to improve the institution and build a more sustainable and healthy future.
