All of us at the frontline in healthcare have been here for our community since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. We have all risked our lives and the lives of our families and have continued to stand strong for our communities as we have faced the unknown. As healthcare workers, it is our duty to stand up for your needs and advocate for you every step of the way. We have worked tirelessly--extra hours, unknown conditions with PPE shortages (literally reusing PPE multiple shifts), daily policy and procedure changes, and facing the unknown.

One thing we do know is that we believe in the FREEDOM OF CHOICE for all healthcare workers, in that they can make their own personal medical decisions and what's best for them individually. 

We knew that around this time in life (prior to throwing a pandemic in the mix), we would have a major nursing shortage due to the number of Baby Boomers peaking retirement. If Akron Children's Hospital (Akron, OH) decides to force a mandate for its employees to be vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine, it will most definitely leave our hospitals/facilities short staffed and the community will suffer from the effects. 

We support ALL health care staff in making their own personal medical decisions. It should NEVER be mandated! As members of the community, we urge you to please let our healthcare staff make their own informed decision in regards to whether THEY CHOOSE to receive or decline the COVID-19 vaccine.  

We are now crying out and pleading for our community's support! We are asking you to advocate for us now!

In signing this petition, I stand as an advocate and support ALL healthcare staff in making their own informed personal medical decisions and the right to choose whether to accept or decline the COVID-19 vaccination.

Want to know what more you can do to help? Contact your Ohio State Representative by AUG 20, 2021 and urge them to SUPPORT House Bill 248: Vaccine CHOICE & Anti-Discrimination Act!