NYSNA commemorates Medicare’s 50th anniversary

As part of national events honoring this essential healthcare provision, the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) kicked off its celebration of the 50^th anniversary of the creation of Medicare by releasing its first photo of the day, with nurses and a birthday banner against the backdrop of the Statue of Liberty.

Beginning today, nurses throughout New York are taking part in three events to celebrate Medicare's first 50 years and to commit to strengthening, protecting and expanding Medicare for decades to come:

• Staten Island Stands for Medicare and Medicaid: Thursday, July 30th, 2 pm, front steps of Staten Island Borough Hall, Richmond Terrace across from St. George Ferry Terminal.
• Medicare Birthday Bash with Peter Yarrow: Thursday, July 30th, 12 pm, Cohoes Music Hall, 58 Remsen St, Cohoes.
• Happy Birthday, Medicare!: Sunday, August 2, 11 am, Victor C. Waryas Park in Poughkeepsie.

The New York events are part of a nationwide celebration of Medicare, with nurses and advocates across the country planning activities to highlight the importance of this vital program.

In a prepared statement, Marva Wade, RN and First Vice President of NYSNA's Board of Directors, said:

"Medicare's 50^th birthday reminds us how single payer healthcare can improve the well-being and financial security of beneficiaries, and of our nation as a whole. We must also remember that Medicare and Medicaid were hard-fought policies, initially intended to cover all Americans, not just seniors, people with disabilities and the very poor. Now we have the opportunity—and the moral obligation—to strengthen, protect and expand these programs in order to guarantee quality healthcare for all."

The New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) represents more than 37,000 members in New York State. We are New York's largest union and professional association for registered nurses. For more information, please visit our website at www.nysna.org.

SOURCE New York State Nurses Association