Amid Growing Demand for Care, Workers to Call for Federal Investment in Good Jobs, Access to Care

NATIONWIDE – Care workers with SEIU Healthcare Illinois, Indiana, Missouri and Kansas — the fastest-growing union in the Midwest with a membership of 90,000 hospital, nursing home, home care and child care workers — will hold a virtual roundtable discussion on Monday, February 28, 2022, at 3PM CT with Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. Providers will emphasize the need for a meaningful federal investment in the care workforce in order to raise wages, protect providers and increase access to care for those who need it. 

As Black History Month comes to a close and Women’s History Month begins, the roundtable discussion will honor Black women who have always cared for our country. The roundtable will highlight the contributions of Black care workers to our economy and communities, with a special recognition of their service and sacrifice throughout the pandemic. Participants will also discuss solutions to lifting up a primarily Black, brown, Asian and immigrant women workforce, while also expanding much-needed access to affordable and quality care. 

WHO: Secretary Xavier Becerra, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Chicago-area care providers and advocates including: 

Alberta Walker, home care worker

Patricia Evans, home care worker

Tosha Kelley, child care worker

Jamila Wilson, child care worker

Greg Kelley, President of SEIU Healthcare Illinois, Indiana, Missouri and Kansas

WHAT: Caring for Us: A Black History Month Roundtable Discussion

WHEN: Monday, February 28, 2022, at 3PM CT

WHERE: Livestream available here

**For additional background or to arrange an interview with a care worker or advocate, please reach out to Catherine (catherine.murrell@seiuhcil.org) or Erica (erica.noll@berlinrosen.com)**