(C) Common Dreams
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Families First Day of Action to include Motorcade for Medicaid [1]
['Makenna Mccord', 'Makenna Mccord Is A Reporter For The Columbus Republic. She Can Be Reached At Or Email At']
Date: 2025-07-26
Drivers from southern Indiana will mobilize today in a Motorcaid for Medicaid as part of a larger Families First day of action, making stops in Columbus and North Vernon.
The purpose of the event, organized by the Indiana Rural Summit, is to “stand in solidarity and protect” hospitals across the state. Families First will host events in all 50 states across the country today, including marches, rallies and gatherings to demonstrate how cuts to federal programs impact local communities.
“We’re using the event as a touchpoint to demonstrate the importance and value of local hospitals that are at risk of closing because they have historically relied on Medicaid for financial viability,” organizer Michelle Higgs said. “We want to amplify the voices of those who are impacted, whether they’re disabled, have a chronic illness or are elderly.”
Higgs originally thought of the idea for the event after reviewing a map of rural hospitals in the area. She noted that one of the disadvantages of living in a rural community was the need to drive a long distance to a hospital in the event of an emergency. The possible closure of these facilities would put residents of these rural communities at risk, she said.
“Maybe standing and holding a sign is difficult for some people, but almost everyone can either drive or carpool with someone,” Higgs said. “We wanted people to see the natural beauty of rural Indiana and these small towns that are at risk of losing their small businesses and their identities. It was a natural tie-in for the Indiana Rural Summit, seeking to amplify rural voices.”
The Motorcade for Medicaid has 10 legs that span across the southern part of the state, with stops in the following towns: Bloomington, Ellettsville, Spencer, Martinsville, Paragon, Gosport, Brazil, Carlisle, Oaktown, Elnora, Washington, Loogootee, Shoals, Paoli, Salem, Corydon, Columbus and North Vernon. The event is a “grow as you go” style, with organizers encouraging drivers to join for any legs of the route. The Columbus to North Vernon leg will take place from 1-2 p.m. today.
Throughout the day, the motorcade will make stops at rural hospitals, take photos and share stories about those who have been impacted by Medicaid cuts. Higgs said she hopes to connect with the host of the HoosLeft podcast, Aaron Rogers, throughout the event to provide updates and share impact statements.
The event will begin in Bloomington and Martinsville. The day will end with a press conference and rally at 4 p.m. at 407 N. Main Street in Salem. From that location, those in attendance will be able to see Rep. Erin Houchin’s office.
“We’re holding it there as a reminder that the federal government’s decisions do have an impact on local, rural communities,” Higgs said. “We’re doing this as a sign of solidarity; our hospitals matter and our neighbors matter.”
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[1] Url:
https://www.therepublic.com/2025/07/26/families-first-day-of-action-to-include-motorcade-for-medicaid/
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