LOUISVILLE, KY – The Louisville Democratic Party will host the “Fight for Medicare and Medicaid rally with former Mayor Harvey Sloane ” on Saturday, August 23, 2025 to mobilize community support for protecting Medicare and Medicaid programs that serve millions of Americans and over 200,000 Jefferson County residents.
The event will bring together many of Louisville's most respected political and community leaders, including three former mayors who have collectively served the city for decades.
This rally comes at a crucial time when Medicare and Medicaid face potential threats that could impact healthcare access for seniors, low-income families, and vulnerable populations throughout Kentucky. Kentucky faces the nation's highest number of rural hospitals at risk, with 35 hospitals potentially closing due to proposed Medicaid cuts – more than any other state.
The healthcare crisis is already impacting Louisville and surrounding communities. UofL Health has indefinitely delayed opening a much-needed South End birthing center due to Medicaid cuts – an area that has not had labor and delivery services for over 50 years. Additionally, addiction recovery facilities across Kentucky are closing their doors and laying off staff due to funding cuts, including Isaiah House and recovery centers in Lexington, eliminating vital support for those battling substance abuse disorders.
The economic implications are staggering – Medicaid and SNAP programs represent over 6% of Kentucky's total GDP, meaning cuts to these programs will devastate already struggling communities by eliminating healthcare access, jobs, and essential economic resources that support local economies.
The diverse coalition of speakers represents the broad community impact these programs have on Louisville residents across healthcare, senior services, addiction recovery, and community health sectors.
“Healthcare is a fundamental issue that affects every family in our community,” said Logan Gatti, Chair of the Louisville Democratic Party. “We’re bringing together Democratic leaders from across our city who understand the vital importance of defending the programs that our neighbors depend on for their health and survival.”
Speakers include:
- Former Mayor Harvey Sloane – A public health physician whose career includes service in President Kennedy's Appalachian Health Program in Eastern Kentucky, medical work treating civilians in Vietnam, and founding one of the nation's first community health centers– Park Duvalle Health Center. Harvey Sloane served two terms as Louisville Mayor and one term as Jefferson County Executive.
- Former Mayor Greg Fischer
- Former Mayor Jerry Abramson
- Congressman Morgan McGarvey
- Tim Findley, Director, Elderserve
- Cara Stewart, Lead Kentucky Attorney fighting Matt Bevin’s Medicaid work requirements in 2018
- Tamarra Wieder, Kentucky Director, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates
- Merideth Booth, Addiction recovery specialist.
- Dr. Swannie Jett, Park Duvalle Health Center
- Logan Gatti, Chair, Louisville Democratic Party
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Jefferson Square Park, 301 S 6th Street
For more information about the event or to confirm attendance, visit https://www.mobilize.us/louisvilledemocrats/event/824973/ or contact the Louisville Democratic Party.
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