Otis Moss of Trinity and South Side Clergy Meet in Support of South Side Trauma Center

Inter-Faith Community Leaders Speak Out about Health Care Equity in Their Neighborhood

Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III: Senior Pastor, Trinity United Church of Christ; Rev. Julian DeShazier: Senior Pastor, University Church Chicago; Rev Janette Wilson, Operation PUSH, Rev. Alice Harper-Jones: Associate Pastor, Kenwood United Church of Christ, other South Side Clergy, Jewish and Muslim Faith leaders.

CHICAGO, IL – On Thursday March 12 at 9:30 a.m., South Side Clergy and other Faith leaders including Otis Moss III Senior Pastor, Trinity United Church of Christ; Rev. Julian DeShazier: Senior Pastor, University Church Chicago; and Rev. Janette Wilson of Operation PUSH will gather to tell the University of Chicago Hospital to open a trauma center.

This issue has become front and center in recent days as the University of Chicago’s bid for the Obama Library has been tied to demands for a trauma center. Last week 9 protesters were arrested at a Mag Mile protest demanding a trauma center outside of a University of Chicago fundraiser. This past weekend the Crain’s Chicago Business Editorial board called for the University of Chicago to open a trauma center. The University recently announced that they are conducting a feasibility study to determine if they can open a trauma center.

Faith Leaders will gather to speak out in Support of Trauma Center,  Thursday, March 12, 2015, and a Press Conference at 9:30 a.m. – (clergy will gather at 9AM), at the University Church 5655 South University Avenue.

Dozens of clergy will meet to tell the university that in addition to opening a trauma center, the University of Chicago trauma center feasibility study must include the input of concerned community members, and that the maximum age of the pediatric trauma center should be raised to 21.

Studies have proven that south side trauma patients are dying because of longer ambulance ride times than other neighborhoods in Chicagoland. The Illinois Department of Public Health recently released a study showing that the University of Chicago Hospital is the only South Side facility qualified to host a Level One Adult Trauma Center.

Both City of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Cook County Commissioner Jesus “Chuy” Garcia have been invited.