Community members gather at a church in Wilmington to voice their concerns and opposition against reductions in Medicaid funding
In the heart of Wilmington, Delaware, over 100 residents gathered at Silverside Church on a recent Saturday morning to protest federal funding cuts that could impact the health and well-being of older adults in the community.
The rally, organised by Indivisible - a grassroots group known for their demonstrations against President Donald Trump and his administration - was part of the 50-state "Families First" day of protest. Local performer Tom Richards set the tone with protest songs by Pete Seeger before the panel of speakers took the front podium.
Among the speakers was Sue Getman, an Indivisible member, who emphasised the unique challenges that older adults face with the cuts in funding to programs such as Medicaid. She stated, "We need Medicaid in Delaware. None of us know exactly what these Medicaid cuts will look like, but it will affect every one of us."
Amy Redman from Indivisible echoed Getman's sentiments, stating, "The cuts to Medicaid will have a significant impact on Delaware residents, including 41,000 who could potentially lose coverage." This comes just 22 days after Trump signed a bill that could potentially cut Medicaid for these residents, including 63% of nursing home residents who rely on it to cover medical expenses.
The rally concluded with a "honk and wave" demonstration outside the church, where attendees, including Dana LaMarche from Moms Demand Action, held signs with messages such as "Fund healthcare not billionaires," and "SOS U.S. is in distress." LaMarche emphasised the importance of getting involved and taking action, stating, "We need to stand up for our community and ensure that our voices are heard."
Moms Demand Action, an organisation that supports community action and is involved in various community events, was also present at the rally. Silverside Church, which has shown a willingness to host events that benefit the community, was the venue for the rally.
The rally highlighted the concerns of Wilmington residents, who want local news to focus on how Medicaid cuts threaten their health care and quality of life. They emphasise the need for clear information on the cuts’ practical impacts since many are uncertain about what changes mean for their coverage.
Residents are also concerned about the broader safety net, including food aid and educational resources that affect families and older adults alike. This suggests a desire for broader, interconnected coverage of social supports beyond strictly health care funding.
Journalists are encouraged to focus on the administrative and indirect economic effects of funding cuts on older adults, detailed impacts on essential non-medical services, and local community responses and engagement opportunities. This approach could enhance coverage and provide valuable insights to the community.
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- The protest in Wilmington, Delaware, highlighted the importance of mental health, as speakers like Sue Getman voices concerns over the impact of Medicaid cuts on older adults' well-being.
- As Medicare and Medicaid funding are at the heart of political debates, the community's focus has expanded to encompass general news aspects, such as the potential loss of essential non-medical services like food aid and educational resources.
- Indivisible and Moms Demand Action, along with other community organizations, have been emphasizing the significance of science in understanding the practical effects of funding cuts on mental health, health-and-wellness, and aging populations.
