**MEDIA ADVISORY FOR TODAY, AUGUST 2**

Contact: Kristi Barnes | press@nysna.org | (646) 853-4489

Nurses to detail unsafe staffing conditions which risk causing long wait times and patients being diverted away from the hospital

Poughkeepsie, N.Y.– Members of the New York State Nurses Association at Vassar Brothers Medical Center are holding an informational picket in front of the hospital on today, August 2, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Nurses and healthcare professionals are speaking out about the potentially dangerous conditions for nurses and patients throughout the hospital.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began more than two years ago, Vassar nurses working on the frontlines have been understaffed and under-resourced. They have not received COVID-19 crisis pay unlike healthcare workers at many other hospitals, all while Vassar’s executives received raises and large bonuses.

NYSNA nurses are demanding that Vassar and its parent company, Nuvance Health, come to the table and negotiate a fair contract that respects nurses and patients and will help deliver the safe staffing and quality care our patients deserve.

WHO:  NYSNA nurses, State Senator Michelle Hinchey, Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson and other labor, community and elected supporters.

WHAT:  Informational picket for safe staffing and a fair contract 

WHERE:  Vassar Brothers Medical Center, 45 Reade Place, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 

WHEN:  Tuesday, March 15, 11:30 a.m- 2:00 p.m. Press conference at noon.

VISUALS:  Hundreds of nurses marching, protesting, chanting, and carrying handmade signs.

**Media availabilities with nurses for one-on-one interviews**

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The New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) represents more than 42,000 members in New York State. We are New York’s largest union and professional association for registered nurses. For more information, visit nysna.org.