Kalispell, Mont. – The Union of American Physicians and Dentists (UAPD), representing more than 7,000 clinicians across the country committed to protecting patient care access, is proud to announce its formal endorsement of Russell Cleveland in the primary election for Montana’s First Congressional District.
At a time when patients and providers alike are navigating a strained and inequitable healthcare system, the need for leaders in Washington, D.C. who understand the consequences of systemic failures in healthcare is critical.
“Healthcare is not a partisan issue, it’s a basic human right. For too long, physicians have watched administrative barriers, insurance denials, and underinvestment in care harm our patients and communities,” said Dr. Stuart Bussey, UAPD president. “We need advocates at the federal level who understand what’s at stake when bureaucracy and corporate interests override patient needs and medical expertise. We need someone who will stand with us in the fight to put patients first—and Russell Cleveland is that person.”
Cleveland’s campaign is shaped by his family’s firsthand experience with the healthcare system. After losing his daughter to cancer and battling insurance companies for life-saving treatment, Cleveland saw how non-medical decision-makers can stand between patients and the care they need.
“I have lived the consequences of a broken healthcare system shaped by profit instead of service. As a dad who has lost a child to leukemia, I am proud to represent clinicians nationwide through this endorsement, as well as families like mine who need a true champion in D.C. to fight for the changes needed in America’s healthcare industry,” said Russell Cleveland.
This endorsement reflects the UAPD’s commitment to advancing policies that protect the provider-patient relationship, expand access to quality care, and ensure a healthcare system that works for everyone.
To learn more about Russell Cleveland’s campaign, visit russellcleveland.org.
About the Union of American Physicians and Dentists
Established in 1972, the Union of American Physicians and Dentists (UAPD) is the largest bicoastal union for licensed doctors and advanced practice clinicians in the nation—representing more than 7,000 private and public-sector healthcare practitioners. Affiliated with AFSCME and the AFL-CIO, UAPD brings the strength of the labor movement to the aid of providers in the interest of better medicine for all. Learn more at www.uapd.com.
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