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Nurses & Health Professionals Applaud Statewide Mask Mandate

For Immediate Release:

July 30, 2020

WISCONSIN -- Following Governor Evers’ statewide order requiring masks or face coverings while indoors, healthcare workers across the state enthusiastically support this commonsense action to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

Jeff Weber, RN and President of the Wisconsin Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals said, “This action is necessary and long overdue. A public health emergency like COVID-19 requires a coordinated public response, and we all have a role to play if we’re serious about saving lives. This order is the right thing to do and demonstrates a respect for the courage and conviction displayed by every healthcare worker who has been doing their part throughout this pandemic to keep our society healthy. We cannot beat this alone.”

 

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Nurses’ Message on the First Day of Nurses’ Week: We Need More than “Thanks.” Pay Us, Protect Us, Take Actions that Respect Us.

Nearly three months after first confirmed case in Wisconsin, nurses on the frontlines of pandemic still need real support from healthcare executives, lawmakers

Milwaukee, WI – The Wisconsin Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals (WFNHP) renews its call for basic respect and dignity for the nurses and other health professionals at the forefront of this public health crisis. Nurses need real action this Nurses’ Week, not hollow “thank you” messages from their bosses.

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Nurses & Health Professionals Demand Immediate Action to Protect Healthcare Workers & Wisconsinites Across the State

Paid leave, protective equipment, childcare, and hiatus on rents and mortgages
 among simple measures that will keep us all safer  

Milwaukee, WI – The Wisconsin Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals (WFNHP) calls for drastic action from hospital and laboratory executives, healthcare corporations, and government officials to protect healthcare workers and Wisconsin citizens as much as possible during the spread of this pandemic.

 

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WFNHP Announces 2020 Spring Primary Election Endorsements

February 14, 2020

Milwaukee,  WI--The Wisconsin Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals is proud to announce the following endorsements for the 2020 Spring Primary Election.

Milwaukee County Executive:  Chris Larson and Theo Lipscomb

Chris Larson has demonstrated that he believes in nurses’ rights, workers’ rights, and that healthcare is a human right. He has put himself out there to do what is right and offers a record and vision that will move us in the right direction. Theo Lipscomb has enmeshed himself in service to the County for years. He has been a champion for our members who needed not just an ally, but a leader in the wake of Act 10 at the County level. The people of Milwaukee County are fortunate to have either candidate in the Executive’s office.

Wisconsin State Supreme Court:  Ed Fallone and Jill Karofsky

Ed Fallone is a recognized constitutional law expert with a record of serving the underserved, which is a background deeply needed on the Court. Jill Karofsky is an experienced and well-respected judge whom we would be excited to see continue to defend our values on the State Supreme Court.

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Statement from WFNHP President Candice Owley: New Report Indicates Medicaid Expansion Would Save Lives, Help Treat Opioid Addiction Crisis

May 8, 2019

Milwaukee, WI-- A new report released by Citizen Action of Wisconsin shows that expanding BadgerCare will allow more Wisconsinites access to life-saving treatment in recovery from opioid addiction. This report demonstrates the price disparities between the expensive private insurance market and the more affordable BadgerCare market for medications to aid in recovery from this addiction, and the high cost of these drugs is a barrier to treatment for many of our neighbors and family members.

Candice Owley, RN, President of WFNHP said, “Nurses take an oath to protect and care for our patients and our communities.  I am here on nurse’s week to make clear that failure to expand BadgerCare is a death sentence for many in our state.  The cost of drugs for a person with no insurance or with a high deductible plan is cruel and immoral. No politician should be able to sleep at night knowing they had a chance to save lives but turned their back on their communities.”

 

 

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Statement from WFNHP President Candice Owley Regarding Today’s Ruling to Block Parts of the Lame-Duck Laws

March 26, 2019

Milwaukee, WI--For the second time in two weeks, a judge has sided with the people of Wisconsin against the partisan power grab committed by Wisconsin Republican legislators. Key elements of the lame-duck legislation limiting the power of the new governor and attorney general have once again been struck down and the will of the voters has been lifted.

The Wisconsin Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals (WFNHP) joined with other unions, including American Federation of Teachers-Wisconsin and Service Employees International Union, to file the lawsuit to successfully challenge the legislation.

WFNHP President and RN, Candice Owley, issued the following statement after today’s ruling:

“Today’s ruling is a win for the people of Wisconsin who fight every day for affordable and accessible healthcare. In 2018, voters made their stance clear: Wisconsin will stand up for democracy and not let the power of a few drown out the voices of many.

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WFNHP Praises Senator Baldwin for Introducing Workplace Violence Prevention Legislation to Protect Health Care Workers Following Wisconsin Nurse’s Testimony

March 14, 2019

Milwaukee, WI— Today, Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin introduced legislation to protect health and social service workers from violence on the job. Her action came after hearing a passionate presentation by a Milwaukee nurse who had been violently injured on the job.

“Workplace violence is a daily reality in health care. Hospitals and other health care settings are centers for healing, but inside those walls, the people charged with caring for the sick are often victims of violence themselves,” said Candice Owley, President of the Wisconsin Federation of Nurses & Health Professionals (WFNHP). “We can’t accept that violence is part of the job. Prevention is possible when systems are put into place to reduce the risk of violence. Thankfully, the bill introduced today by Senator Baldwin provides long-needed protections and enforceable safety standards for people who work in front-line health care jobs. As a union of health care professionals, we welcome this effort to finally make workplace-safety a priority.”

“Our health care and social services workers, and the people they serve, deserve to work and receive services in an environment free from workplace violence,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’m proud to lead this important effort to provide overdue protections and safety standards to a workforce that serves people during some of their most vulnerable moments. This bill promotes a healthy environment that is good for both workers and those they serve, and I encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting this important effort.”

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Wisconsin Nurse Testifies Before Congress in Support of Federal Workplace Violence Prevention Legislation

February 27, 2019

Milwaukee, WI--Workplace violence is a daily reality in thealth care. Hospitals and other health care settings are centers for healing, but inside those walls, the people charged with caring for the sick are often victims of violence themselves.

"When health care workers show up to work, they shouldn't have to worry about whether a patient is going to hurt them. Violence should never be part of the job," said Wisconsin Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals (WFNHP) President, Candice Owley.

This afternoon, WFNHP member, Patricia "Patt" Moon-Updike, RN, testified before the U.S. House of Representatives in support of the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act (H.R. 1309).

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