By: Ashmar Mandou

Maria Herrera has a longstanding relationship with Saint Anthony Hospital. An immigrant from Mexico, St. Anthony was the first to welcome Herrera to the city helping her feel at ease in her new environment. “I have so much love for St. Anthony that I even named my son after the hospital, Fernando Anthony,” smiled Herrera. “It’s become this safe place for me and my children. We enjoy all the services and programs they offer and this community truly needs them.”

But when you mention the recent cuts to Medicaid, Herrera’s demeanor swiftly changes. And an onset of worry overwhelms Herrera as she begins to fill out a petition urging Governor Pat Quinn to reconsider the cuts. “We are sad and frustrated. What are we going to do if St. Anthony shuts down?” said Herrera.

Herrera is not alone in her frustration. During a press conference Monday morning at St. Anthony, Herrera joined other parents and organizations such as, Enlace Chicago, Instituto del Progreso Latino, and Alderman George Cardenas, among others, to renounce the Governor’s decision that would pose tremendous risk for all safety-net hospitals. “Nobody up here is an expert in Medicaid or pension situations in the state of Illinois, but we are experts of our communities and our communities need these services,” said Michael D. Rodriguez, executive director of Enlace Chicago.

With the state significantly in debt, Gov. Quinn released his plan to cut Medicaid funding by $2.7 billion. As a safety-net provider, St. Anthony treats nearly 30,000 Medicaid patients every year. Such cuts will have severe implications for both the hospital and community residents. “This is not reform. You can’t reform a system by cutting it or decimating it with such plans,” said Ald. Cardenas. “Hospitals like St. Anthony and Norwegian are really the anchors of our communities…this is truly heartbreaking and unprecedented.”

As a safety-net provider, St. Anthony treats nearly 30,000 Medicaid patients every year. With safety-net providers located in some of the most diverse neighborhoods including, North Lawndale, Humboldt Park, and Little Village, minority populations will be the most impacted should the Medicare proposal be approved. “This type of cut is something we expect from the Republican Party,” said Cardenas. “As Democrats, we fight for the poor, we look after them, and we provide them with resources. We used to have a governor who was on our side. Now he is making decisions that a Republican would.”

For Herrera, she looks to continue her relationship with St. Anthony Hospital. “Our governor needs to have a heart and visit our communities so he can see firsthand just how much we rely on these services,” said Herrera. “There has to be another option.”