WASHINGTON, D.C. — Over the last week, Caring Across Generations and allies across the country mobilized for a powerful show of resistance, remembrance, and resolve. From a 60-hour Medicaid vigil on Capitol Hill to more than 200 peaceful Families First rallies nationwide, advocates, caregivers, and families came together with one united message: our families come first—and we will not be silent as critical care programs are dismantled.
Care advocates led a 60-Hour Vigil at the U.S. Capitol to share stories and urge lawmakers to protect Medicaid. (Photo by Michael Kamell/Getty Images for Caring Across Generations)
Today marks the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Medicare and Medicaid Act, just days after the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The 60-hour vigil was held at a moment when we should be celebrating 60 years of progress but, instead, we are sounding the alarm. These milestones are more than symbolic—they represent vital lifelines for tens of millions of families.
Across the events, participants shared stories, held space for collective grief, and demanded action in response to historic cuts jeopardizing essential care programs.
“This past week was a declaration,” said Ai-jen Poo, Executive Director of Caring Across Generations. “We will not get over this, and we will not go quiet. At a moment when families are being told to carry the burden of care alone, we’re coming together to protect the legacies of Medicare, Medicaid, the ADA, and Social Security—and to build a future rooted in care, not cruelty.”
Nearly 80 million people—especially older adults, children, disabled people, and caregivers—rely on Medicaid and related programs for healthcare, home and community-based services, and support.
The Families First rallies and the Capitol vigil sent a clear message to lawmakers: any attempt to cut or dismantle these programs will be met with unified, unrelenting resistance.
60-Hour Protect Medicaid Vigil + Families First Recap
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Caring Across Generations is a national organization of family caregivers, care workers, disabled people, and aging adults working to transform the way we care in this country so that care is accessible, affordable and equitable— and our systems of care enable everyone to live, work, and age with dignity.
To achieve our vision, we transform cultural norms and narratives about aging, disability and care; win federal and state-level policies; and build power amongst the people touched by care. For more information, visit caringacross.org.