Following is a statement by SEIU President Mary Kay Henry regarding the death of Ruth Rothstein, a Chicago health leader who began her career as a union organizer.

Ruth Rothstein was an undeniable force for workers' rights as well as a brilliant reformer in the field of health care. She started her career as a union organizer and maintained unwavering support for fundamental labor principles such as human dignity for all of her career.

"She firmly believed that high quality health care was a basic human right, and her leadership expanded access to care in vulnerable communities. She kept the Cook County Health system alive and was a fierce advocate for it for much of her life. She left an indelible mark on Chicago and within the broader health community. "

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