Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility E-Blast: Statement on Crozer Closures, Student Teacher Stipends, & more!

E-Blast: Statement on Crozer Closures, Student Teacher Stipends, & more!

Hello Neighbors, Community Members and Friends, 

We are in a crisis of inequitable healthcare unfolding in real time. Like so many of you, I am devastated, outraged, and frankly, deeply disrespected by the reckless decision of Prospect Medical Holdings to close Crozer-Chester Medical Center and Taylor Hospital—a decision that will have catastrophic consequences for Delaware County.

This is not just about these two hospitals. This is an attack on our entire hospital system and the future of health care in Delaware County. We have already witnessed the closures of Delaware County Memorial Hospital and Springfield Hospital, stripping essential healthcare services away from communities that relied on them. Now, they are coming for even more. This is not just a pattern—it is a crisis.

For decades, our communities have endured systemic neglect, underfunding, and disinvestment. Now, as corporate greed once again prioritizes profit over people, we are left to ask: Where will people go in an emergency? How will families access critical care, from labor and delivery to cancer treatment to routine checkups? Hundreds of thousands of people are being left in limbo, forced to wonder whether they’ll be able to get the care they need when they need it. This decision is not just reckless—it’s dangerous. It is a betrayal of the very people these institutions were supposed to serve.

And it’s not just patients who will suffer. Our dedicated nurses, doctors, and healthcare workers—people who have cared for us, our families, and our neighbors for years—are being cast aside. The same workers who put their lives on the line during the pandemic, the same professionals who show up day after day to provide life-saving care, are now facing uncertainty, job loss, and displacement.

I share the anger, confusion, and pain of our communities in the 164th Legislative District and across Delco. But know this: we are not taking this lying down. I am working alongside my fellow state and local elected officials to explore every possible avenue to stop these closures. If Prospect Medical Holdings insists on walking away from our community, we will fight to ensure they do not leave devastation in their wake. We are actively working on solutions to protect both the patients who depend on these hospitals and the workers whose livelihoods are at stake.

This fight is not just about these two hospitals. It is about the future of our entire healthcare system in Delaware County. We cannot continue to let corporate greed dictate whether our communities live or die. We must hold those in power accountable, demand investment in our healthcare infrastructure, and make it clear that we refuse to be discarded. Here is part of the joint statement we issued yesterday:

 

"Private equity’s decimation of Crozer is an abomination. What these corporate raiders did to our hospitals should be criminal. Prospect lined its pockets while tearing apart a vital healthcare institution and must be held accountable. The healthcare system in America is fundamentally broken, and Crozer’s destruction is just the latest tragic example of that failure. As Crozer’s collapse proves, privatization and for-profit healthcare are not the solution—they are the problem."

 

A judge has ordered another hearing on Sunday for a potential final reconciliation, and our next steps will depend on that decision. The Delaware County Health Department has created a special webpage to convey all of the latest developments, and I will keep you updated as well.

 

Earlier this week, the House Appropriations Committee continued to host our budget hearings. This week we heard from the Departments of Human Services, Insurance, the Treasury and the Public Utility Commission.  

On Monday, I asked Department of Human Services Secretary Valerie Arkoosh about how the increase in funding for NICU last year has helped hospitals and neonatal services. 

Later on, I asked her about increased funding for postpartum depression awareness. I also asked about how DHS is helping mothers with substance use disorder before and after pregnancy. 

On Tuesday, I asked the PA Public Utility Commission about Chapter 14 and how it helps PA’s most vulnerable residents. I also asked about how the PUC can help with a medical certificate that could prevent people with small children or who need medical assistance from having their utilities shut off.

On Wednesday, I questioned PA Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphrey about resources for life insurance beneficiaries navigating the confusing process. 

On Thursday, I asked state Treasurer Stacy Garrity about the best time to utilize the state's 529 plan for investing in a child's future higher education. I also asked about redeeming U.S. savings bonds.

Later in the day, I asked Budget Secretary Uri Monson what federal cuts to Medicaid would mean for the Commonwealth and our hospitals. I also asked about for-profit private equity owned hospitals after Crozer Health announced the closure of two hospitals in our area.

 

Thank you for subscribing to my informational weekly e-blasts. Read on to learn more about upcoming events! Please be sure to share the information with your neighbors and friends to stay informed and sign up for our weekly E-blast at pahouse.com/Curry/emailsignup

In partnership and service,

PA Representative Gina Curry's signature image

Gina H. Curry

 

Cater 2 You Youth Haven Grand Opening

Last Friday, I joined fellow state Rep. Heather Boyd and Councilmembers Danyelle Blackwell and Laura Wentz for the ribbon cutting of Cater 2 You Youth Haven, a new, state-of-the-art home to support teens and young adults from ages 13 to 21 founded by Marie Minor. 

Congratulations Hawa Quaye

Team Curry would like to extend our congratulations to one of our amazing volunteers, Hawa Quaye. She completed her CNA certification with my staff there to support her during the completion ceremony! 

Cradles to Crayons Women Make a Difference

Earlier today, Team Curry stopped by Cradles to Crayons for their Women Make a Difference event! I spoke on a panel with some other women leaders in the community while my staff prepared needed supplies for local children and families! 

 

Want to stay up to date on all my happenings in Harrisburg, the 164th Legislative District and beyond? Or do you want to get the latest info on our events and office hours? Make sure to follow me on all my social pages using the icons below! 

 

Student Teacher Stipends/ GROW PA Scholarships

The 2025-26 Student Teacher Support (student teacher stipend) application was made available the afternoon of Thursday, March 6. This program provides a $10,000 stipend to student teachers. The Governor’s 2025-26 budget proposal calls for $40 million for the Student Teacher Support program. This program began in the 2024-25 school year with $30 million available. More information, eligibility requirements, and application information can be found on the PHEAA website.

The Grow PA Scholarship program is expected to open on Thursday, March 13. This program offers scholarships to Pennsylvania students studying an in-demand occupation at an institution of higher education located in Pennsylvania. Grow PA Scholarship recipients must agree to live and work in Pennsylvania after graduation for the number of years they received the scholarship. More information on this program can be found on the PHEAA website.

 
 

Grant Opportunities

You can view a list of several grant programs that recently opened for applications, on my website.

 

If you need help applying for grants, please contact my office at (610) 259-7016 or email RepCurry@pahouse.net.

 

Upcoming Events

Our Youth Activity & Resource Fair is coming soon! This is a one-stop-shop for all sorts of after-school and summer programs! Parents can register through the link here! 

On Friday, March 14, the PA Black Maternal Health Caucus is hosting a brunch and learn in honor of Black Midwifery Day! Register through the link here

Residents of the 163rd and 164th Legislative Districts! Rep. Boyd and I are teaming up for a Shred Event on March 15 at Upper Darby High School from 9 a.m. to noon. Along with paper, we can also shred hard drives, laptops, and cell phones! Pre-register by calling 610-259-7016

Come meet me and state Sen. Tim Kearney and members of our staff as we will be available to help constituents apply for the Property Tax Rent Rebate program. We can also assist with other state government-related matters. Seniors over 65 call (610) 259-7016 to pre-register! 

 
 

If you need assistance with any state-related issue, you can reach out to my office.
 

Thank you for letting our team proudly serve you, your families, and the stakeholders in the 164th in East Lansdowne, Lansdowne, Milbourne, and Upper Darby. 

 

Be sure to follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more updates and events happening in Harrisburg and the 164th! 


Sincerely,

Rep. Gina H. Curry
164th Legislative District, Delaware County

 

Pennsylvania State Capitol

25-A East Wing
Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 783-4907

District Office

1500 Garrett Rd.
Upper Darby, PA 19082
(610) 259-7016