Media contact:  Ed Gilhuly, 305-807-6906, egilhuly@leftcom.com

The healthcare heroes of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East will canvass neighborhoods across Florida on Saturday, September 17 in an effort to Get Out The Vote (GOTV) and support candidates that will serve the needs of working Floridians.

As part of a series of “Super Saturdays” leading up to the November elections, dozens of 1199SEIU hospital and nursing home workers will knock on doors September 17 to discuss issues such as affordable housing, access to healthcare, safe communities and schools, voting rights, personal freedoms and the dangerous staffing and retention crisis in our state’s healthcare system.

“To solve any of these critical issues, people need to be informed and engaged, and get out to vote for candidates  who will serve everyday Floridians,” said Coy Jones, 1199SEIU Florida Political Director. “Every race is important, from your local school board, to governor, U.S. Senate and more.”

In addition to supporting candidates in a multitude of local races, 1199SEIU Florida members are endorsing Charlie Crist for Florida Governor, Val Demmings for U.S. Senate, and Annette Taddeo for U.S. Congress.

Essential frontline caregivers are deservingly some of the most trusted members of society, especially after protecting the public health and battling the Covid-19 pandemic for more than two years, so 1199SEIU members are supremely qualified to discuss issues critical to Florida working families. 1199SEIU is the largest union of caregivers in the state, representing about 25,000 active and retired hospital and nursing home workers.

“Our jobs are extremely difficult, especially now with the staffing crisis hitting our healthcare system,” said Blanche Norwood, a nursing home caregiver and 1199SEIU Member Political Organizer (MPO). “But at home we also face the same challenges as all working people today in Florida…paying our rent, protecting our families and having a fair shot at the American Dream and a better future.”

Norwood pointed to the importance of the governor’s election and the need to replace Ron DeSantis who has put the interests of large corporations and their lobbyists over the needs of the people; waged partisan culture wars to divide Floridians; instituted a virtual “one man rule” to deny fundamental rights to women, children and their families; and has focused more on his own 2024 national political aspirations than trying to solve the real challenges faced by Florida voters.

Members of 1199SEIU will be joined by local endorsed candidates and are inviting family, friends and community members to participate in the following September 17 “Super Saturday” canvassing events:

1. Saint Petersburg: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM ET, Meet at the 1199SEIU office, 1202 66th St N, St Petersburg, FL 33710, with Florida Senate District 18 candidate, Eunic Ortiz. 
   Sign Up
2. Miami: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM ET. Meet at Merrie Christmas Park, 4355 SW 42ND Ave, Miami, FL 33133, with Florida Senate District 38 candidate Janelle Perez. 
   Sign Up
3. Tampa: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM ET. Meet at Kate Jackson Community Center, 821 S Rome Ave, Tampa, FL 33606, with Florida Senate District 14 candidate Janet Cruz. 
   Sign Up
4. Sanford: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM ET. Meet at Sanford Westside Community Center, 919 S Persimmon Ave, Sanford, FL 32771, with Florida Senate District 10 candidate Joy Goff-Marcil.
   Sign Up

For other GOTV volunteer opportunities, visit here.

To make a plan to vote in the November election, check that your voter status is correct and other voting information, go to  www.1199votes.org.

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1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East is the largest union of healthcare workers in Florida, representing more than 24,000 active and retired caregivers across the state. Members of 1199SEIU serve in about 80 nursing homes and 30 hospitals in Florida.