SEIU 1991’s leadership moved quickly to launch a campaign to save Jackson Health System clinics when plans began
circulating calling for Jackson to spin off its primary care center to private federally qualified clinics. We distributed flyers throughout the community, wrote letters to elected and appointed leaders, and

President Martha Baker, RN, called for an emergency meeting with Jackson President and CEO Dr. Eneida Roldan, MD.Our efforts are working! When the Jackson budget was presented to the county, four of the clinics were no longer in it. We are working with Jackson to ensure that the two clinics still slated for closure - Juanita Mann Health Center and North Miami Health Center - are merged into other facilities.

On the eve of healthcare reform when clinics will become even more in demand, our members and their patients stepped up and made their voices heard in this campaign. At a recent townhall meeting hosted by Commissioner Barbara Jordan, SEIU 1991 member Dr. Flore Lindor-Latortue told Commissioner Jordan that the clinics provide preventative care for patients.

If Jackson cuts the clinics from its system, patients may not be able to afford rates charged by federally qualified clinics. These patients then may end up at Jackson’s ER – receiving care at a much higher cost.
Dr. Latortue said primary-care clinics are at the forefront of the community’s health. As head of Juanita Mann Health Center’s social services division, she has a greater understanding of the cultural needs of patients coming to the clinic for care, she said.

“Jackson’s clinics need to stay,” Dr. Latortue said. “It takes certain skills to manage these clinics. They are making the community better.”