Hospitals, clinics, and skilled nursing facilities (nursing homes) are only as strong as the people who work, day in and day out, to support patients and residents. Staffing shortages decrease quality outcomes for patients and increase the risk of worker injuries, burnout, and low job satisfaction. The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically exacerbated the hospital staffing crisis in Oregon and Washington as well as nationally as workers have continued to endure the pressure of showing up on the frontlines month after month, putting their health and the health of their families at risk while working in more and more challenging conditions. At the same time as the industry is making millions of dollars in revenues and profit, has billions of dollars in reserves, and has received federal COVID relief payments, they have failed to invest in staffing and in basic worker protections like adequate paid time off and hazard pay policies that recognize workers’ roles and contributions. Hospitals and skilled nursing facilities have the second-highest injury rate in Oregon, only behind logging. It’s time to protect patients and caregivers by enacting safe, fair, transparent, and accountable staffing legislation for all health care workers.