#USA #New Kensington #Teamsters Local 30 #Health Care Facility #Congressman Deluzio

Teamsters and Congressman Deluzio Rally to Preserve Local Health Facility

On October 8, 2025, a significant rally will take place in New Kensington, Pennsylvania, as members of Teamsters Local 30 gather at the Allegheny Health Network's New Kensington Express and Primacy Care facility. This event will also see support from local officials, including Congressman Chris Deluzio. The purpose of the rally is to pressure AHN to keep the healthcare facility operational, following troubling news regarding its potential closure.

The health center holds immense importance for the New Kensington community, providing essential services primarily to an elderly population. Many of these residents rely on the facility for in-network medical assistance. The employees of the health center, represented by Teamsters Local 30, recently achieved a historic milestone as the first nurse practitioners to organize in Pennsylvania, but they've now received unsettling announcements from AHN regarding plans to shut down operations.

The decision to threaten closure raises serious concerns, as it would compel residents, particularly vulnerable elderly individuals, to travel across the Allegheny River to obtain medical care elsewhere, which is both inconvenient and potentially harmful to those needing immediate assistance. The Teamsters Local 30 is taking a stand, arguing that keeping the facility open is vital for maintaining community health and well-being.

Moreover, the union has taken further action by filing an unfair labor practice charge against AHN, accusing the organization of attempting to break the union’s resolve through intimidation tactics related to the facility's closure. This bold move highlights the clash between corporate interests and the needs of the community, illustrating the challenges faced by healthcare workers advocating for their patients' rights.

The rally on October 8 will feature prominent speakers including Gino Bessetti, President of Local 30, and Natalie Batista, Recording Secretary of Local 30, who will voice their concerns and rally support for continued healthcare access for the residents of New Kensington. Additional support is expected from local politicians, including Westmoreland County Commissioner Ted Kopas, who will also address the need for community solidarity in the face of these challenges.

The event is set to commence at 12 PM at 305 7th Street, New Kensington, PA, and will likely attract community members who share a vested interest in safeguarding local health services. The gathering is not merely a protest but an urgent call to action to preserve the integrity of healthcare access within the community.

This situation raises broader questions about healthcare accessibility in smaller communities and the corporate strategies that may overlook local needs. As discussions unfold leading up to the rally, it becomes increasingly evident that collective action serves as a powerful tool for communities in defending their rights and health interests.

Stay tuned as we follow this story closely and observe the outcomes of the rally and the ongoing negotiations surrounding the future of the New Kensington healthcare facility.