9/16 Projection, Banner Drop, and Demonstration
On September 15 and 16, People Over Profit NYC organized several actions to shine the spotlight on the urgent need for healthcare reform. Approximately 68,000 Americans are estimated to die annually due to a lack of access to healthcare, a statistic highlighted in a brilliant projection by The Illuminator.
People Over Profit NYC teamed up with The Illuminator to shine a light on the deadly cost of U.S. Healthcare ahead of Luigi Mangione's hearing.
People Over Profit NYC members also drew attention to the healthcare crisis by taking a banner above one of Manhattan's busy freeways.
People Over Profit NYC members with a banner that reads "Honk for affordable healthcare!"
Protesters also rallied outside the Manhattan courthouse on the morning of September 16, the day of a hearing for Luigi Mangione, charged in the shooting of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Because the court hearings always bring press, they are a time People Over Profit NYC shows up to turn the media spotlight on what should really be on trial: the predatory insurance industry that kills thousands of Americans annually. Demonstrators arrived with a large wheel highlighting the 1 in 3 denial rate from some insurers (see more information on denials, insurer profits, and other data on our healthcare page).
In addition to People Over Profit NYC, Death Penalty Action was also present to advocate against the death penalty. Billboard trucks circled the courthouse, one with messages from donors to Luigi's legal fund who've experienced healthcare struggles, the other with healthcare facts and statistics, a call to pass the New York Health Act, and the personal stories of people who've experienced denials, such as Michael Kissling, who lost his leg due to a UnitedHealthcare denial.
Take action now to #PassNYHealth! This billboard truck carried healthcare messaging across Manhattan, broadcasting the stories of individuals who have experienced healthcare crises as a result of denials.
The smaller billboard truck featured donation messages from supporters detailing their health struggles.
4/25 Demonstration
On April 25, one week after Luigi Mangione's indictment on federal charges, protesters rallied outside the federal courthouse to demand urgent healthcare reform and highlight concerns over the Attorney General's calls for the death penalty.
In addition to POPNYC, PNHP-NY and Death Penalty Action were present.
At our rally, we demanded justice for victims and accountability of the health insurance industry. Our billboard truck highlights the stories of those who've died as a direct result of denials.
One such victim is Little John Cupp. The Daily Beast covers his story in more detail in their reporting.
If you have a healthcare story to share, please reach out! Let us know if you are comfortable speaking with the media about your experiences, and how we can assist you in getting your voice heard.
POPNYC Billboard Truck:
"No More Deaths By Denials."
Protesters discuss the urgent need for healthcare reform
PNHP-NY had a presence at the protest. See this interview as one of their doctors describes the broken healthcare system that prioritizes profits above patient well-being.
2/21 Protest
On February 21st, during Luigi Mangione’s appearance on NY state charges, protesters rallied outside the Manhattan Courthouse to demand urgent healthcare reform.
At the rally outside, people chanted slogans such as "Stop denials with AI! How many people have to die?" and "One struggle, one fight! Healthcare is a human right!"
During the rally, billboard trucks circled the courthouse. Our large LED truck featured the words "NO MORE DEATH BY DENIAL" accompanying pictures of those killed by the insurance industry. The QR code on this truck linked to our healthcare page.
The "DEATH BY DENIALS" truck featured people who died due to health insurance denials
After the rally ended, the trucks drove through NYC, including Times Square.
As the rally continued, crowds erupted into chants, including, "No more deaths by denial! Put the system on trial!" and "Corporate greed we must fight, healthcare is a human right!"
POPNYC volunteers went through the crowd asking protesters to sign up for one or more calls to action. Three of these calls to action came from PNHP-NY, a healthcare organization that also organized their members to rally. The calls to action included:
- Write to lawmakers about passing the NY Health Act
- Sign up for lobby day
- Join a coast-to-coast group organizing around public health