| Rally to save Muhlenberg moves to Trenton |
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| Friday, 09 May 2008 | |
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By TOM BALDWIN Sixty or so people, many from the Plainfield area, gathered in front of the Statehouse Thursday to protest the planned closing of Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center, a 131-year-old community hospital that appears doomed by rising costs and inadequate reimbursements. "We are asking the state to provide whatever resources are necessary," said Larry Hamm, a leader of the grass-roots activist group People's Organization for Progress, which helped organize the midday rally. "All four of my children were born there. And all four of my grandchildren were born there, so I have the connection," said semi-retired Plainfield machinist Larry Lawson, who led marchers in a circle on the sidewalk outside the offices of the state treasurer. "I am so frightened," said retired state Education Department employee Willa Cofield of Plainfield. "They have been such a caring place. They have reached out to the community." "There is no other hospital within 30 minutes," said Diane Beeny of Westfield, noting, "My sister was born there." "It's for all, people who can pay and for the poor as well," remarked Jesus Delvi of Plainfield.               |
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