Consideration of Amendments to WakeMed’s Articles of Incorporation and Second Amendment to Transfer Agreement

Urged commissioners to vote no on the merger, citing personal gratitude for WakeMed's life-saving trauma care and fears that corporate takeover would reduce local accountability.

A local family doctor spoke against the merger, comparing it to unfavorable corporate takeovers like Mission Hospital in Asheville that raised costs and worsened staffing.

Representing the North Carolina Black Alliance, she opposed the takeover, noting Atrium's higher charges to the state health plan and the potential impact on Southeast Raleigh residents.

Read an anonymous letter from a WakeMed physician warning that consolidation worsens care and pointing out that top hospital executives resigned prior to the deal.

A healthcare advocate and former educator shared personal medical emergencies handled by WakeMed and urged a no vote.

Spoke on behalf of the Men of Southeast Raleigh, urging commissioners to block the merger and protect the public hospital's historical promise.

Read a letter from a Wake County resident opposing the corporate takeover, comparing it to diluting good soup by adding water.

A retired nurse shared negative experiences with corporate hospice takeovers and aggressive medical debt collectors, urging a no vote.

Questioned the rushed nature of the decision and the lack of transparency surrounding indigent care commitments and control.

Representing United States of Care, she urged binding price protections and warned that hospital consolidation raises consumer prices.

A local NAACP vice president and religious leader urged commissioners to vote no or delay the vote to allow community voices to be heard.

Representing CWA, he cited research showing price increases following Atrium's acquisition of Wake Forest Baptist and projected premium hikes for state employees.

President of the Triangle Labor Council, urged commissioners to reject the merger and criticized the manufactured urgency.

A long-term chronically ill patient warned that staffing cuts and loss of local control would negatively impact vulnerable patients.

Director of the Health Advocacy Project at the NC Justice Center, urged a no vote, stating that late-minute price caps do not protect residents long-term.

A local elected official and WakeMed board member spoke in favor of the agreement, highlighting months of hard work and increased charity care commitments.

Expressed opposition to the merger, citing Brown University research on price increases at Wake Forest Baptist.

A WakeMed board member appointed by the county spoke in favor of the partnership, citing enhanced services and research opportunities.

An Atrium Health leader shared personal and professional background, supporting community health investments and shared missions.

An Atrium Health operations leader spoke in favor of the partnership and shared commitment to underserved communities.

Speaking on behalf of a WakeMed employee, expressed concern over increased nurse-to-patient ratios and declining care standards.

A WakeMed board member spoke in favor of the agreement, highlighting the newly created $150 million Wake County Whole Health Program fund.

A retired hospital administrator urged a no vote, questioning why additional benefits were added so late in negotiations.

Spoke in favor of Atrium Health, emphasizing community engagement and shared values.

Expressed concern over unanswered public records requests and the lack of public access to WakeMed's new bylaws.

Opposed the corporate takeover, warning of increased costs and reduced staffing ratios, and reminding commissioners of elections.

An attorney and WakeMed board member urged approval of the agreement, stating it preserves the safety net mission and county control over board appointments.

Strongly opposed the merger, criticizing the hospital's leadership and arguing WakeMed could flourish independently.

An Atrium employee spoke in favor of the strategic combination, emphasizing listening and community trust.

An Atrium employee with local family roots spoke in favor of the partnership and expanded healthcare access.

Chair of the WakeMed Board of Directors urged commissioners to approve the agreement, citing long-term mission viability and the harm of further delays.

An Atrium employee urged approval, stating public concerns are unfounded and praising the thorough public process.

A chronically ill resident and public health professional opposed the merger, citing high costs and potential debt collection practices.

An NC Justice Center attorney and WakeMed patient urged a no vote, questioning executive compensation and financial priorities.

Executive Director of SEANC, opposed the merger due to projected state health plan premium increases for state employees.

A former WakeMed chaplain spoke in favor of the partnership, citing Governor Stein's recent endorsement and the need for facility capital.

Executive Director of the Patients Union, urged a no vote, stating that price caps are temporary and local control is lost permanently.

A community engagement coordinator urged a no vote on a rushed deal taking place during Yom Kippur.

Shared a personal survival story of receiving life-saving maternal care at WakeMed and urged commissioners to vote no.

Criticized the lack of transparency, unfulfilled public records requests, and backroom weekend negotiations.

A Winston-Salem resident described negative experiences following Atrium's takeover of Wake Forest Baptist.

A retired state employee urged a no vote, citing concerns over future healthcare affordability for retirees.

A healthcare worker leader warned that consolidation increases prices, pressures wages, and prioritizes inpatient care over primary care.

An activist for Rise Up Now questioned why it took the governor's intervention to clarify the $2 billion funding source.

Read a statement from an anonymous WakeMed case manager opposing the merger due to fears over staffing ratios and corporate spreadsheet metrics.

A long-time Wake County resident urged a no vote, calling the entire merger process messy and comparing Atrium to a bully.

Opposed the corporate takeover, citing a lack of democratic transparency and negative impacts on low-income and vulnerable residents.

A bedside nurse with experience at both WakeMed and Atrium warned that higher patient-to-nurse ratios at Atrium compromise patient safety.

A former Raleigh planning commissioner shared his aunt's successful cancer treatment at WakeMed and urged protection of affordable care.

Shared personal distress regarding Atrium's aggressive medical debt collection practices in his household and urged commissioners to reject them.