Dr. Megan Haugland, a second-year OB-GYN resident at Kern Medical, speaks at Tuesday’s rally in Bakersfield, calling for lawmakers to protect Medicaid funding that supports essential health services for vulnerable patients in the Central Valley.
Health workers and community members gathered at Kern Medical on May 12, to voice their concerns about proposed Medicaid cuts that could affect healthcare access for families. The rally was part of a statewide movement that happened at hospitals across California, to ask lawmakers to protect healthcare funding.
Devon Newton, a local father, veteran, and nurse, shared that his son was born with spina bifida and sleep apnea. Thanks to Medicaid and the care at Kern Medical, Newton said, his son received life-saving treatment.
“When my son caught RSV as a baby, Kern Medical stepped up,” said Newton. “We were treated with kindness, and my son received the care he needed. Cutting Medicaid would leave families like mine behind.”
Newton said these cuts won’t hurt billionaires but would “hurt people like us.”
Devon Newton, shares his story about his son’s life-saving care at Kern Medical during a rally in Bakersfield on Tuesday, May 13.
Emily Stinnett, a member of the United Domestic Workers union, said the cuts will impact caregivers and families.
“There are over 700,000 of us who care for seniors and people with disabilities so they can live safely at home,” she said. “An $880 billion cut to Medicaid isn’t just a number. It’s lives lost, care denied, and communities harmed.”
According to Ana Palacio, a nurse leader and emergency department staff member, more than 70% of the hospital’s funding comes from Medicaid. Palacio said that cuts could result in clinic closures, job losses, and longer emergency room wait times.
“Our hospital is the only trauma center between Fresno and Los Angeles,” she said. “Without Medicaid, our doors may not stay open. And when seconds count, our community can’t afford to be flown hundreds of miles away.”
Dr. Megan Haugland, a second-year OB-GYN resident, said many of her patients rely on Medi-Cal for prenatal care and other essential health services. She shared the story of a woman who lost coverage after a miscarriage and could no longer afford basic lab work.
“Cuts to Medi-Cal will hit the most vulnerable,” she said. “We’re already stretched thin. Taking away resources will make it worse not just for patients, but for the entire community.”
The speakers also send a message to Congressman Valadao and other lawmakers to reject the proposed cuts and instead invest in programs that protect public health.
A crowd of health workers and community members chant and wave signs outside Kern Medical on Tuesday, May 13, joining a statewide protest across California to oppose proposed Medicaid cuts.
