Avoid cuts to critical health care funding

On behalf of the medical professionals and compassionate caregivers who provide vital services each day to our patients at AMITA Health, we call on Congress to protect our hospitals and access to health care for all Americans. We oppose any legislation that reduces hospital funding or access to critical programs.

At our hospitals here in the Northwestern and Western suburbs of Chicago, we help to provide critical health care services, treat emergency room visitors, deliver babies and serve as a major employer to stimulate the economy. Our communities rely on the services we provide.

AMITA Health is a mission-driven organization committed to serving all persons with special attention to those who are struggling. We take pride in the quality care we deliver to our patients in Illinois.

Last year, we admitted more than 200,000 people into our emergency rooms for urgent services. If devastating budget cuts continue - since 2010, $121.9 billion in cuts to hospitals have been approved - our patients may have to experience long wait times while they're in need of immediate attention.

This significantly negative impact on the care patients receive could hinder some hospitals' abilities to meet patient needs.

We ask that Congress not consider any legislation that would reduce funding for our hospitals or change benefits to critical programs. We urge Congress to protect access to the highest-quality health care for all.

Mark A. Frey, President and CEO

Amita Health

Arlington Heights