Nurses Protest Cuts to County Health System

About two dozen San Mateo County nurses protested this afternoon
outside the government center in Redwood City over proposed cuts to the
county health system.

The cuts, which include reductions in funding to the Multipurpose
Senior Services Program, children and youth services, and alcohol and drug
abuse prevention services, are being discussed by the Board of Supervisors at
the county's 2011-12 budget hearings, which started this morning.

Today's protest, organized by the California Nurses Association, was meant to underscore the importance of maintaining the threatened programs for the long-term health of the county's underserved and at-risk communities,
participants said.

"When you cut too much, you shoot yourself in the foot," San Mateo Medical Center staff nurse Peter Zych said.

The protesters carried signs that read "Preventive care saves money and lives" and "Some cuts don't heal."

County health system budget discussions were under way this afternoon.

- Bay City News