MEDFORD, Ore. — The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) is sharply criticizing State Rep. Dwayne Yunker and Asante leadership, accusing both of prioritizing corporate interests over patient care following recent healthcare service reductions in Southern Oregon.
In a statement released Friday, the union said Rep. Yunker has aligned himself with Asante executives instead of supporting frontline healthcare workers and patients. The organization argued that the lawmaker’s criticism of healthcare professionals and patient care laws comes as Asante continues to reduce services across the region.
The union pointed to Asante’s recent decision to close physical therapy clinics in Medford and Grants Pass as an example of what it described as a pattern of service cuts. According to the ONA, the closures will reduce access to rehabilitation services that help patients recover from illnesses and injuries, regain mobility, and return to work and daily activities.
The ONA also accused Asante’s executive leadership of receiving significant compensation while reducing healthcare services and shifting blame to frontline staff.
“Nurses and healthcare professionals believe our community deserves healthcare that is accessible, affordable and accountable,” the organization said in its statement, calling on Asante leadership to work collaboratively with healthcare workers to improve patient care rather than reducing services.
The union said Southern Oregon residents deserve elected officials who support working families and healthcare professionals instead of corporate healthcare interests. It maintained that nurses are advocating for safe staffing levels, quality patient care, and expanded access to healthcare throughout the region, while accusing healthcare executives of prioritizing financial interests.
The ONA concluded by stating that local healthcare professionals will continue advocating for patients and community healthcare access, arguing that patient care should take precedence over profits.
The Oregon Nurses Association represents more than 25,000 nurses and healthcare professionals across the state and advocates on issues including patient care, workplace conditions, and healthcare accessibility.
Asante and Rep. Yunker had not responded to the ONA’s statements in the release.
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