(ELMIRA) – Residents of the Chemung County Skilled Nursing Facility are joining Registered Nurses (RNs) represented by the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) in a campaign to tell County Officials that Privatizing the Elmira Facility would be an Expensive Mistake.

As such, NYSNA is embarking on a Public Awareness Campaign and over the next three months.  Chemung County Viewers will see a 30-second Television Spot that features Testimonials from several Residents and RNs, who explain the Elmira Facility is being managed well by the County, but ask why they are so intent on ruining it through Privatization?  The TV Spot features Bruce Flaherty, a well-known Local Television News Anchor who’s been a Resident for more than two years, NYSNA Representatives said.

In addition, the Campaign will also include: An expanded Two-Minute Video Version of the TV Spot that will run on NYSNA’s Website: www.nysna.org/chemung.  It will be also distributed to County Officials and will also be made available to the Community upon request, Union Officials said; Major Billboards will be posted through April in the immediate area of the Elmira Facility; and Both RNs and Residents will get the word out through Public Activities, Speaking before the County Legislature and with Elected Public Officials individually, and with Local Community Organizations.

Chemung County Officials are expected to take up the matter in April.  Meetings to discuss Privatization Options are scheduled for Wednesday, January 9th, in the Assembly Room of the Nursing Facility.

NYSNA represents the 56 RNs employed at the Chemung County Skilled Nursing Facility

The New York State Nurses Association - The Voice For Nursing In The Empire State – represents more than 37,000 Members.  NYSNA, New York’s Largest Professional Association and Union for Registered Nurses, also represents some All-Professional Bargaining Units in New York and New Jersey.  In addition, NYSNA supports Nurses and Nursing Practice through Education, Research, Legislative Advocacy and Collective Bargaining.