Overcoming months of anti-union scare tactics, more than 350 respiratory therapists, pharmacy technicians and other healthcare professionals in the technical unit at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend in Springfield, Ore., voted overwhelmingly to join the American Federation of Teachers-affiliated Oregon Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals. 

No one should have to choose between seeking medical care and paying the rent — and no family should face financial ruin because of an illness or injury.

In my years as a nurse, I have seen what happens to patients who wait too long to see their doctor. Without timely care, their condition worsens and becomes more difficult and more expensive to treat.

In their rush to repeal the Affordable Care Act without a replacement, Speaker Paul Ryan and Majority Leader Mitch McConnell threaten to cut-and-run on Americans, reducing health care access for millions and driving up costs for the rest of us.