Middletown, NY – Today U.S. Representative John Hall (D-NY19) experienced firsthand what a typical day is like for Orange County Registered Nurse Roxana Pantano as he joined her for her shift in the Rehabilitation unit of the Orange Regional Medical Center’s Horton campus in Middletown.

 

As part of the 1199 Service Employees International Union’s (SEIU) “Walk A Day in My Shoes” program, Hall joined Nurse Pantano of Campbell Hall as she cared for her patients in the Rehab unit.  Hall observed many aspects of Nurse Pantano’s duties in order to become better informed about the daily challenges facing workers but also the rewards of working in the health care field.

 

“I believe it’s important for elected officials to understand what working people face every day,” said Hall.  “The working men and women like the members of 1199 SEIU are the backbone of American society, but today are struggling to make ends meet.  Congress must do more to stop the squeeze on working and middle class American families.”

 

"I thank Congressman Hall for taking the time to make rounds with me and experience what the life of a healthcare worker is like and what we go through every day to provide for our families," said Ms. Pantano.  "I came here from Peru many years ago and worked while also going to school for my nursing degree and raising two sons at the same time.  Both my sons are in college now and doing well but it was a long struggle trying to make ends meet."

 

1199 SEIU President George Gresham stated, "Congressman Hall did a great service for working families by walking a day in Nurse Pantano's shoes and we commend him."  He added, "We're confident it gave him a better understanding of the hard work it takes to care for patients and raise a family.  It's important for our elected leaders to take the initiative to experience first-hand what working people like Roxana face every day and there's no better way than walking in their shoes."

 

Hall then joined Nurse Pantano and other workers at Orange Regional Medical Center for lunch where they could further share their concerns with the Congressman.  Hall’s time with Nurse Pantano was an invaluable experience that provided him with new insights into the lives of working families in the Hudson Valley and into the strengths and weaknesses of our health care system. 

 

“Today’s events gave me a personal perspective to take back to Washington as Congress considers legislation,” said Hall.  “As a country, we need to reorient our priorities so that we are providing for working families like that of Nurse Pantano instead of giving away tax cuts to the wealthiest and we need to make sure every American has access to quality, affordable health care.”

 

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