Walking approximately 0.5 miles in and out of Strong Memorial Hospital at the end of a shift, especially at night or alone, has become increasingly dangerous for healthcare workers. With the surge in attacks on healthcare workers, safety has become a paramount concern. The additional burden of paid parking not only adds to the stress but also feels like an unfair imposition on those who dedicate their lives to saving others.

The current parking fee structure at Strong Memorial Hospital is unsustainable and impacts both hospital employees and visitors. While healthcare workers are expected to serve tirelessly, hefty parking fees or the risk of facing exorbitant fines of $100 only add insult to injury. A revision of this policy is long overdue. We must advocate for increased safety measures or the elimination of charges for hospital parking. The bare minimum a drastic reduction in fines from $100 to $25.

Strong Memorial Hospital needs to reassess its parking strategy to favor its workers and visitors. By reducing parking fees or fines, the hospital can alleviate some of the financial burdens on healthcare professionals and patients' families, allowing them to focus on what truly matters — caring for patients and supporting loved ones.

A fair and equitable parking fee revision not only supports the staff’s financial well-being but also enhances their safety by making it easier to choose parking locations that are well-lit and secure. We must prioritize the safety and financial sustainability of those who provide invaluable service at Strong Memorial Hospital.

If Strong Memorial Hospital insist on continuing paid parking, then as patients, visitors and staff we demand increase in security measures to protect us and allow us to see where our parking fees are going. If Paid parking is to be continued, we need fencing, locked gates and more security in lot 1,2 and 9. Protect us or don't expect us to pay $100 to feel safe walking to our cars at night.

Sign this petition to urge Strong Memorial Hospital to end paid parking or significantly reduce parking fines, supporting our healthcare workers and ensuring the safety and accessibility for all who dedicate themselves to this essential institution.

On July 25th, a RN was leaving her shift and was attacked by an agitated patient who had left AMA. Where was security? Why was he not watched until he left hospital grounds? If we are forced to pay for parking, we should have protection from violence or be allowed to park where we feel safe. News Article below on Assault 

Nurse attacked while leaving Highland Hospital, police say https://share.google/pD1F7d70hPxFcxp8e

UPDATE 8/16/25:

As this petition has gained momentum, I would like to say thank you the community coming together. I would also like to make sure that everyone is aware, this is not just for nurses. This is for very single employee and visitor at URMC. Every employee pays for parking, every day, even if they only use the lots 3 times a week. And visitors are charged for every hour every they stay past 30 minutes, even if they are here for infusions or ambulatory procedures. 

Ideally (upon speaking with URMC staff), we would like the profits created off our parking fees to be utilized to create a covered garage, with more lighting, cameras and a station guard at the entrance.  As most construction projects go, we understand this cannot happen overnight, but do believe this is an attainable 5–10-year plan. In the meanwhile, sturdy, non-cuttable fencing along with 24/7 security should be placed around lot 1. We are just asking to feel safe utilizing money from our paychecks. 

If URMC is unable to humor the ideas we are asking for, then parking should not be deducted from our paychecks, and we should be allowed to park where we feel safe at no fee. 

The original idea still stands, give us safety or stop the deductions, fines and booting