Clergy Community Coalition advocates for public hospital in West Side Dayton

The Dayton City Commission meeting on July 9, 2025, highlighted pressing health care concerns for the West Side community, particularly the need for a public hospital. Representatives from the Clergy Community Coalition passionately advocated for improved health care access, emphasizing the detrimental impact of recent federal cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and welfare programs on marginalized populations, especially people of color.

A speaker from the coalition expressed deep concern over the potential closure of hospitals, citing that an estimated 150 hospitals nationwide could shut down, disproportionately affecting communities already facing health disparities. The speaker underscored the urgency of establishing a municipal hospital partnership, drawing attention to the historical collaborations with Premier Health and the need for similar initiatives to serve the West Side of Dayton.

The call for compassion and empathy resonated throughout the discussion, as the speaker urged city officials to prioritize the health needs of constituents. They highlighted the disparities in health care access across different areas of the city, advocating for a more equitable distribution of health resources.

In addition to health care discussions, Professor Mark Brown, representing the Clergy Community Coalition, addressed a legal matter regarding the adoption of the Clerk's report. While he acknowledged the report's overall accuracy, he pointed out a specific error that could affect the Commission's ability to consider a related petition.

The meeting underscored the critical intersection of health care policy and community welfare, with advocates calling for immediate action to address the health care crisis facing vulnerable populations in Dayton. As discussions continue, the community awaits further developments on the proposed health initiatives and the legal considerations surrounding them.