On Saturday afternoon, about 75 community members gathered on the lawn of the old courthouse in Adrian for a dramatic “die-in” demonstration.
The goal: To raise awareness of the cuts to Medicaid and other federal programs in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. These cut will have a significant impact on Lenawee County, where nearly 17% of people rely on Medicaid.
Carrying handmade tombstones with messages like “Here Lies Rural Healthcare,” “Chose Food Over Meds,” and “Cause of Death: Congress,” participants lay down, sat, or stood silently on the grass to symbolize the 11.8 million Americans expected to lose healthcare coverage because of the so-called Big Beautiful Bill. Organizers walked among the “graves” solemnly tolling a bell and reading aloud the epitaphs.
Lenawee Indivisible’s message was clear: healthcare is not a luxury. It’s life and death.
As the action concluded, the group circulated a petition asking Congressman Tim Walberg, who voted for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, to hold a public town hall meeting. Saturday’s event will mark the ninth such request (read more about April’s empty-chair town hall).
“Together we’re not just resisting these cuts—we all know the stakes are much bigger than that. We’re building a future where healthcare is a human right, where truth matters, and where Congress is accountable to the people it serves.”
The die-in not only sent a powerful message and garnered press coverage from The Lenawee Voice and Daily Telegram, it also led to several community members reaching out to learn more about our organization and how to get involved.
Thank you to all who participated!
About Lenawee Indivisible:
Lenawee Indivisible is a grassroots organization dedicated to defending democracy, protecting voting rights, and holding elected officials accountable—in Lenawee County, MI, and beyond. We believe in informed civic engagement, inclusive communities, and building power through people. Learn how you can get involved.