"Yep -- it's all over."

These are the words of a Penn State dialysis unit patient who now must go to Centre Community Hospital for treatments. The dialysis unit, which served about 20 students, closed this summer from lack of funding.

The dialysis unit -- the only one of its kind in the country -- provided convenient scheduling for the three, four-hour weekly treatments so the patients could maintain a normal schedule. Now their routines have to be disrupted because of a stalled grant from the state Department of Labor and Industry.

State Rep. Lynn Herman, R-Centre, has joined the students who are protesting the lack of state support for the dialysis unit. Help from a government official like Herman is beneficial and needed.

The Undergraduate Student Government has also gotten involved in the fight to reopen the dialysis unit. But USG, Herman and patients are not enough. Other students and organizations must step into the ring.

Students can call a toll-free hotline to express their concerns about the funding. Every person who calls in to support the unit is a help.

Dial 1-800-932-0784. A research team at the governor's office will answer. Callers can either speak their mind or repeat a USG statement supporting the need for the unit.

So students, get on the phone and speak up. Join USG and Herman in supporting a very important and unique program. That free, three-minute phone call could help some of your fellow Penn Staters lead healthier, happier lives. Isn't that worth a call?