The announced closing of Mercy Hospital and Medical Center, in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, is beyond comprehension.
Mercy is a community hospital that sees more the 50,000 patients a year and employs more than 1,700 people. Over 80% of the population it serves is economically challenged, underserved, underprivileged and uninsured.
Within the Mercy service area are 62% of Chicago’s African American population and 37% of the Hispanic population. With the closing of Mercy in 2021, access to medical and mental health services will be catastrophically reduced at a time when the pandemic has demonstrated that Black and Brown communities are health care deserts.
I do not believe we can stand by helplessly and watch another historic hospital close, while we say that we must close the racial health care gap that already exists.
Rev. Michael L. Pfleger, Faith Community of St. Sabina
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The time is now for clean energy
Congratulations to the Sun-Times for an excellent editorial on the merits of passing clean energy legislation in Illinois.
During the past few years, Illinois has become a leader in the development of clean, renewable energy. The industry has brought new job growth to our state, and continuing this trend should be a priority for the Illinois State Legislature.
Good-paying jobs are not the only benefit of clean energy legislation. It only makes sense to diversify our energy mix. More renewable energy will help reduce our carbon footprint and help clean our environment at a time when climate change is a clear and present danger.
The Clean Energy Jobs Act is also designed to help consumers and is strongly supported by the Citizens Utility Board, a pro-consumer non-profit working to keep utility rates affordable.
Polls show that clean renewable energy is supported by a strong majority of Illinois residents.
It’s time to pass legislation that will continue a real success story and be a win/win/win/win by driving job growth, attracting investment, protecting consumers and cleaning our environment, all at the same time.
Mark Kraemer, Wilmette
About those masks....
In regards to Mary Lou Mastro’s letter on masks, I’d like to ask a two questions.
If masks work, why were violent, jailed prisoners released instead of given masks? If masks are so effective, why can’t Chicago Public Schools students and teachers wear them and go back to school?
Robert Oganovich, Edgebrook
