Hundreds to Rally in Los Angeles to Urge Congress: Protect Medicaid Now
- LA Medicine Staff
- 24 hours ago
- 2 min read
As federal threats to Medicaid funding loom large, LACMA physicians and leaders will join Los Angeles County’s safety-net healthcare providers, community partners, and advocacy groups are mobilizing in a unified show of force.
On Wednesday, May 14, a large-scale rally will be held at the Wesley Health Centers—located at 1101 N. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90029—calling on Congress to preserve Medicaid, a lifeline for more than 15 million Californians.
Organized by JWCH Institute, in coordination with the California Primary Care Association, Community Clinic Association of Los Angeles County, and a broad coalition of FQHCs, health plans, AIDS organizations, and community-based groups, the rally is expected to draw 400 to 500 participants, including patients, physicians, healthcare workers, and community advocates.
“We’re coming together to send a clear message to Washington: Medicaid must be protected,” said Al Ballesteros, CEO of JWCH Institute. “These proposed cuts would devastate working families, children, seniors, and the most vulnerable populations we serve every day.”
Event Highlights:
Location Visibility: The high-traffic intersection at Santa Monica Blvd. and Vermont Avenue will serve as the rally’s backdrop, with massive banners on all four sides of the building bearing messages like “Ask Congress to Protect Medicaid” and “15 Million Californians Rely on Medicaid.”
Congressional Engagement: The event will feature a live-streamed appearance by three Members of Congress representing Los Angeles County, who will address the crowd remotely.
Local Voices at the Podium: Patients, physicians, and frontline health workers will speak in a 40-minute formal program beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Community Action: Attendees will take to all four corners of the intersection afterward, holding signs and engaging passersby with calls to action.
Media & Outreach: A media relations firm has been engaged to bring robust coverage to local, state, and national outlets. A parallel social media campaign will amplify content in targeted congressional districts across California and beyond.
LACMA encourages its members and partners to attend or support the rally, especially as physicians continue to advocate for equitable access to care and fair reimbursement for those serving Medicaid patients. Organizations wishing to be listed as supporters should contact Francisco Portillo at (323) 477-4672.
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