Save Lakewood Hospital And Citizens For A Strong Lakewood Protest Clinic CEO And Mayor's Speeches

Wednesday, February 24th was a very busy day for the Save Lakewood Hospital committee and Citizens for a Strong Lakewood members, who protested at two high profile speaking events.

At 6 AM, committee members protested in front of the Intercontinental Hotel next to the Clinic as invitees filed past on their way to Clinic CEO Toby Cosgrove’s “State of The Clinic” address.  Temperatures were in the low 40’s as a soaking rain fell, but that didn’t dampen committee member spirits. Commuters honked their horns and gave members thumbs up as rush hour traffic swelled on Carnegie Ave. Local TV media covered the protest and reported on morning broadcasts. Crain’s Cleveland Business’ health reporter, who was one of the invitees, tweeted a photo of the protest and a link from our You Tube Channel. https://youtu.be/Yzf4EDK25Xs 

Twelve hours later, the committee re-enacted the scene at Mayor Summer’s State of the City address at the Lakewood Masonic Temple. Just as was the case earlier that day, the falling rain soaked committee members as they picketed on Detroit Avenue in front of the Temple. This time the honking horns and cheers of approval were even more intense than they had been before. The sound of horns and cheers filled the main hall of the Temple as council members shuffled in for the address.

Once the address commenced, committee members joined the small group of Mayor Summer’s supporters in the Temple’s main hall. Empty as the hall was, it provided a chance to dry off after what had been a very successful day. This kind of visibility has made it clear to everyone that the campaign for health care justice in our community is far from over. The committee continues its commitment to save lives, save jobs, save Lakewood and to save Lakewood Hospital. The issue that will determine the future of our hospital will be on the ballot sometime in 2016.