Over 600 members and other supporters of long-term care—decked out in blaze orange t-shirts and buttons to show their solidarity and support—turned out on Tuesday, May 3rd for an outdoor rally at the Capitol. Organized by Care Providers of Minnesota and its Long-Term Care Imperative partner, the rally brought attention to the importance of funding for long-term care and prioritized seniors—the fastest-growing segment of the state’s population.

This year, our rally took place outside, on the steps of the upper mall of the Capitol. Under the banner of “RESPECT: Seniors Rock St. Paul for LTC”, it featured the senior rock group, Alive and Kickin, and a range of speakers, including legislative leaders and representatives from the Long-Term Care Imperative, MN Leadership Council on Aging, AARP, and Seniors and Workers for Quality Care.

Alive and Kickin energetically kicked off the rally with a three-song set: “I get by with a little help from my friends”, “Stand by Me” and “RESPECT.” After that, Gail Sheridan, Care Providers of Minnesota Board chair, and Bob Dahl, Aging Services of Minnesota, welcomed the crowd.  Interspersed with applause, hoots, and chants, Gail and Bob spoke about the mission legislative leaders are charged to do—balance the state budget—while making sure Minnesota values remain; specifically, to make sure older adult services are viable and available to Minnesota’s frail and elderly.

Legislative speakers at the rally were Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch; DHS Commissioner Lucinda Jensen; and the HHS Finance Chair, Representative Jim Abeler. All three commented on putting a face to long-term care and making it a priority.

Christine Stone, now in her 90s and on behalf of AARP, spoke of her experience and need for home and community-based services for her husband (now deceased). She described how respite services have helped friends, and spoke of others who needed the care only available through a nursing facility.

Emma Woodward, a nursing assistant at Providence Place, spoke of how cuts to nursing homes affect real people. Emma outlined the challenges she and a co-worker face in their job to provide good quality care to the 25 individuals entrusted to their care.

Wrapping up the rally, Patti Cullen, CEO, Care Providers of Minnesota, and Gayle Kvenvold, Aging Services of Minnesota, thanked the crowd for their attendance and participation. And of course, what’s a rally without Queen’s “We will Rock You,” which was sung/chanted/danced to by the crowd. (Photos from the rally are on Care Providers of Minnesota’s Facebook page.)

Thank you to the many members who were able to make it to the rally, bringing staff and residents. Your support, combined with so many others, showed how vital long-term care services are to Minnesota and its citizens.

Lisa Foss Olson
952.851.2483
lolson@careproviders.org