NYAPRS Note: Several weeks ago, a New York panel convened by Governor Andrew Cuomo recommended raising the minimum wage for fast-food workers to $15 an hour by 2019 in New York City and by 2021 for the rest of the state. It has been hoped that this trend would be extended to health and behavioral health workforce and Hudson River HealthCare has taken the first step by announcing a $15-an-hour minimum wage for all its caregivers and employees. The agency operates primary care clinics and support services throughout the Hudson Valley and Suffolk County.
Hudson River HealthCare Announces Living Wage For Caregivers And All Employees Amid Ongoing National Movement For $15 An Hour Minimum Wage
“Our health centers are only able to serve their communities because of hundreds of hard-working people doing dozens of different jobs. I’m thrilled to make this announcement in support of the high quality healthcare our staff render for our patients, clients and their families,” said Anne Kauffman Nolon, MPH, President and CEO of Hudson River HealthCare.
In the early 1970s, four women in Peekskill came together to address the lack of health care services in their community and founded the Peekskill Ambulatory Health Care Center. As the organization has expanded across the state into what is now known as HRHCare, the same values of community and opportunity have been retained. The announcement of a $15 an hour living wage for full and part time employees is a right step for HRHCare, supporting the workers who have made it known for high quality patient centered care.
“Each of our facilities is more than a health center – it’s an economic engine for its community,” Nolon added.
“We’re a major employer around the state, and this means more people with greater spending power supporting other local businesses. We’re proud to make this important additional investment in our staff, and to help ensure that HRHCare is offering stable, well-paying jobs that help to strengthen our communities.”