Last month, members of the University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE-CWA Local 9119) organized a rally in collaboration with Parent Voices Oakland against the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) moving critical services impacting children to less accessible locations.

Over the past year, UCSF has moved bone marrow treatments and interventional radiology from the Children’s Hospital Oakland (CHO) across the bay to San Francisco—creating dangerous barriers for immunocompromised children battling cancer, sickle cell anemia, and other serious illnesses.

“Dozens of families who used to get care here in Oakland are being told to go back and forth across the Bay when their child’s immune system is at its most fragile. These kids and families don’t need additional obstacles to being healthy and safe. We’re calling on UCSF to keep specialized pediatric care in Oakland, where our community can access it,” said UPTE-CWA member and clinical social worker at CHO Paola Portillo.

Members of the Oakland City Council, county staff, parents, and supporters attended the rally.