To join this chapter, click the subscribe link in the right column. (You must be registered and logged-in to see the subscribe link.)
The leader of this chapter is Christopher Toal - ctoal53@hotmail.com.
See map: Google Maps
Donna Smith, community organizer and legislative representative for the National Nurses United (US largest nurses’ union with 150,000 members)/California Nurses Association, and Congressman Jim McDermott will headline the Fifth Annual Public Meeting of Physicians for a National Health Program - Western Washington Chapter on Saturday February 27 at 7:00 pm at the University of Washington’s Kane Hall.
Smith was recently honored as the National Organization for Women’s (NOW’s) 2009 Woman of Action and first came to the public’s attention in Michael Moore’s 2007 movie, “SICKO.” Despite having health insurance and even a health savings account, Donna and her husband Larry were forced to move into their daughter’s basement after being unable to pay staggering health care costs—and were left in financial ruin. Donna’s husband, Larry, suffered three heart attacks and Donna was diagnosed and treated for cancer. There is a scene in the movie “SICKO” where Michael Moore takes Donna to Cuba to get the necessary treatment their insurance wouldn’t pay for. After the film was released, Smith became a health care activist, taking her story and those of other victims of the badly broken health care system around the country at rallies, teach-ins, seminars and demonstrations. She is a founder of the health care advocacy group American Patients United. She has expressed her views on current health care reform efforts on PBS’s Bill Moyer’s Journal.
Rep. Jim McDermott has represented Washington’s congressional District 7 since 1989 and has been a leading advocate for health care reform. He is the sponsor of HR 1200, the American Health Security Act, which would guarantee health care to every American through universal, single-payer health care. Rep. McDermott will deliver an insider report on health care legislation in Congress.
Smith and McDermott will be joined by state health care reform activist Larry Kalb who will address the moral imperative of universal coverage for guaranteed access to comprehensive, timely health care. He is a Democratic candidate for Congress in Washington’s 2nd District and has been Chair of the Progressive Caucus for the Washington State Democratic Party. Larry also served as the National Coordinator for the Health Care Working Group for the Progressive Democrats of America. He has been a board member of Health Care for All - Washington for six years and its President for the past two years. Kalb has developed a popular health care reform presentation that encapsulates the players and issues in the current U.S. system.
The speakers will each make presentations and take questions from the audience. In his State of the Union address on January 27, President Obama asked, “But if anyone from either party has a better approach that will bring down premiums, bring down the deficit, cover the uninsured, strengthen Medicare for seniors, and top insurance company abuses, let me know.” The presenters at this event will have answers to the President’s challenge.
Also on the program, a representative of the Mad as Hell Doctors will introduce a short video of their caravan trip across the country advocating for single payer Medicare for All. The Bob Wickline family will provide musical entertainment. The PNHP Western Washington Chapter will present its 2010 John Geyman Health Justice Advocate Award.
This is a free event and the public is invited. For more information go to http://www.pnhpwesternwashington.org/
About PNHPWW
Since 1987, Physicians for a National Health Program has advocated for reform in the U.S. health care system and has done some of the most significant research on its deficiencies. A large part of our work involves educating health professionals and the public about the benefits of a single-payer Medicare for All system --including its huge administrative savings ($400 million/year). This reform would guarantee comprehensive health care to all Americans, without increasing costs.
PNHP has more than 17,000 members and chapters across the United States. We organizes rallies, town hall meetings, and debates; coordinates speakers and forum discussions; contributes op-eds and articles to the nation's top newspapers, medical journals and magazines; and appears regularly on national television and news programs advocating for a single-payer system. The Western Washington Chapter was founded in 2005. We meet at the Swedish/Cherry Hill Campus Conference Center Auditorium the 3rd or 4th Wednesday of the month.
Wow, the town halls are hot in the news - but not because the media is talking about what we need in terms of health reform, or how the health crisis is hurting Americans and American businesses, but because of the sound of people trying to disrupt the town hall process by yelling and screaming.
The message below is the result of a collaborative effort among Archimedes Movement Community Leadership Council members and staff. Members of Congress are holding town hall meetings all over the country in August. We're maintaining a list of the Oregon ones here.
Now is the time to share your views on health reform.
Howard Dean was in Portland last Friday at Powell's Bookstore giving remarks to a crowd of about 200 people about a book he has just finished called Howard Dean's Prescription For Real Reform. Rick had been invited to meet with him after the book signing and I tagged along.
Liz Baxter and I attended the ‘Oregon Health Information Technology (HIT) Stakeholder Engagement Meeting' in Salem on Thursday July 23.
From our friends at Washington Public Campaign:
Friends,
The tug-o-war over health care reform legislation in the Congress is intimately related to our advocacy of public financing of campaigns in Congress. And it is THE hot issue of the moment. That's why WPC is involved.
Please help to spread the word about these public forums on health care reform.
Seattle - Tuesday, June 30th, 7 PM
Detail about each forum is here, WPC's home page: www.washclean.org/
These events are directly related to WPC's organizing for Clean Elections - including the Fair Elections Now Act (public financing of campaigns) in Congress!
As you know, we are hearing news daily about the meltdown in Congress over a public plan option (not to mention, single payer). Increasingly, the political power and influence of the insurance and pharmaceutical industries is being revealed.And that's why - regardless of the outcome on health care reform legislation - we can be sure of one "collateral" result by late this year:
More people than ever will understand that we MUST achieve public financing of campaigns (in the U.S. Senate and Congress) in order to see real progress on issues we care about - including, somehow, affordable health care for all.
Congress will act on health care reform in the next 3-4 weeks. It's on a very fast track - and it may shape how health care coverage is financed and delivered in the U.S. for years! These forums we've organized (including the one held in Spokane, May 27th) are designed to provide solid, factual information about the bills in Congress - the actual deliberations going on right now. This information is essentialcitizen-voters is informed, focused and heard by lawmakers. so that the viewpoint of
The essential message (to lawmakers) is: Listen to the voters .. not the special interests!
But as legislation is crafted, details matter - and that's why we've arranged these public forums.
Contact info for federal lawmakers is here: www.washclean.org/contactcongress.htm
Here is background about the health care debate:
WPC's opinion article - What will health care reform look like?
www.washclean.org/healthcare-stolen.htm
WPC's opinion article - "Health care reform - Essential Features":
www.washclean.org/Library/HC-features.pdf
Here are recent news articles, showing the chaotic debate in the Congress:
6-19-09 NYT / Obama on Health Care
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/19/us/politics/19reform.html?_r=1&th&emc=th
6-19-09 NYT / Dems Scramble to Cut Costs for Health Care Plan
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/19/us/19health.html?_r=1&th&emc=th
6-10-09 NYT / Dems reaching consensus on health care
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/10/us/politics/10health.html?_r=1&th&emc=th
In this debate, bystanders won't count. Please stay involved and informed!
~ Craig
______________________________
Craig Salins, Executive Director
Washington Public Campaigns
www.washclean.org
wpc@washclean.org
206-784-2522
From our friends at Washington Public Campaign:
Friends,
The tug-o-war over health care reform legislation in the Congress is intimately related to our advocacy of public financing of campaigns in Congress. And it is THE hot issue of the moment. That's why WPC is involved.
Please help to spread the word about these public forums on health care reform.
Tacoma - Tuesday, June 23rd, 7 PM
Seattle - Tuesday, June 30th, 7 PM
Detail about each forum is here, WPC's home page: www.washclean.org/
These events are directly related to WPC's organizing for Clean Elections - including the Fair Elections Now Act (public financing of campaigns) in Congress!
As you know, we are hearing news daily about the meltdown in Congress over a public plan option (not to mention, single payer). Increasingly, the political power and influence of the insurance and pharmaceutical industries is being revealed.And that's why - regardless of the outcome on health care reform legislation - we can be sure of one "collateral" result by late this year:
More people than ever will understand that we MUST achieve public financing of campaigns (in the U.S. Senate and Congress) in order to see real progress on issues we care about - including, somehow, affordable health care for all.
Congress will act on health care reform in the next 3-4 weeks. It's on a very fast track - and it may shape how health care coverage is financed and delivered in the U.S. for years! These forums we've organized (including the one held in Spokane, May 27th) are designed to provide solid, factual information about the bills in Congress - the actual deliberations going on right now. This information is essentialcitizen-voters is informed, focused and heard by lawmakers. so that the viewpoint of
The essential message (to lawmakers) is: Listen to the voters .. not the special interests!
But as legislation is crafted, details matter - and that's why we've arranged these public forums.
Contact info for federal lawmakers is here: www.washclean.org/contactcongress.htm
Here is background about the health care debate:
WPC's opinion article - What will health care reform look like?
www.washclean.org/healthcare-stolen.htm
WPC's opinion article - "Health care reform - Essential Features":
www.washclean.org/Library/HC-features.pdf
Here are recent news articles, showing the chaotic debate in the Congress:
6-19-09 NYT / Obama on Health Care
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/19/us/politics/19reform.html?_r=1&th&emc=th
6-19-09 NYT / Dems Scramble to Cut Costs for Health Care Plan
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/19/us/19health.html?_r=1&th&emc=th
6-10-09 NYT / Dems reaching consensus on health care
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/10/us/politics/10health.html?_r=1&th&emc=th
In this debate, bystanders won't count. Please stay involved and informed!
~ Craig
______________________________
Craig Salins, Executive Director
Washington Public Campaigns
www.washclean.org
wpc@washclean.org
206-784-2522
HB 2116, which would generate revenue needed to pull down matching federal funds for expanding coverage to uninsured children and low income adults, was passed out of Oregon's House Revenue Committee on Thursday and sent to the Joint Ways and Means Committee with a do-pass recommendation.
I am passing this news on from a rally organizer. For more information go to http://may30march.org
_________________________________________________________
Hi everyone,
Just a quick announcement:
Senator Murray has confirmed her participation in our May 30th March
She will be a part of the opening program at Pratt Park.
Please spread the word. This will be up on http://may30march.org shortly.
And just a refresher of the speakers already confirmed from before:Featured Speakers
Emcees
Entertainment
--
Lynne Nguyen
May 30th March Coordinator
Organizer, Washington CAN!
www.washingtoncan.org
office: 206-389-0050 x232
On Saturday, May 30th, more than 150 organizations have come together to organize a major march and rally in Seattle to support the goal of winning quality, affordable health care for everyone in 2009.
Our theme, "Health Care for All in 2009 - Mothers Leading the Way," is a powerful message that makes it clear that we are determined to support the goal set by President Obama to achieve health care reform this year. Join the movement today.
March with us on May 30th, starting at 12:30pm at Pratt Park
(20th & E Yesler)
Email lynne@washingtoncan.org for more info!
PLEASE CIRCULATE WIDELY and PLAN TO ATTEND!
On Saturday, May 30th, more than 75 organizations have come together to organize a major march and rally in Seattle to support the goal of winning quality, affordable health care for everyone in 2009.
Our theme, "Health Care for All in 2009 - Mothers Leading the Way," is a powerful message that makes it clear that we are determined to support the goal set by President Obama to achieve health care reform this year. Join the movement today.
Email lynne@washingtoncan.org for more info!
Additional flyers are available at http://www.may30march.org/ under Spread the Word.
Join us and bring friends, neighbors and family. Show our lawmakers that "we, the people" want effective health care reform now!
Together, we can make a difference!
Linda Sternhill Davis
Vice-Chair, Board Member and Co-Chair, WHSC Legislative Committee
Washington Health Security Coalition (WHSC)
P. O. Box 19631 - Queen Anne Station
Seattle, WA 98109
Phone: (877) 502-1873 (toll-free)
Email: legislative@wahealthsecurity.org
Website: http://www.wahealthsecurity.org
Three ways to get your message heard in Salem
In the midst of a legislative session with tough economic decisions to be made, it's very easy for the well-intentioned Oregonians serving in our legislature to lose sight of the goals of health reform. We have three ways to help you remind them to be bold and set a course for Oregon's future health system.
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Are you a health reform "Maverick" filled with "Hope"? Want John Kitzhaber In Your Living Room? You got it! » Sign-up to host a house party If this link doesn't work, please email Matt Webber of the Archimedes Movement staff (matt@wecandobetter.org).
It's Real Simple:
What You'll Then Need:
These house parties will occur all over Oregon and will give people a chance to come together around a common goal: working to fix a broken health care system trough grassroots education and mobilization. With your help this event accomplishes the following:
» Sign-up to host a house party If the above link doesn't work, or if you have a question, please send a note to Matt Webber at matt@wecandobetter.org. |
John Kitzhaber invites you to join him at our 1st Annual Membership Conference. You can see Gov. Kitzhaber's invitation in his blog.
Agenda
9:30 am - Pre-conference workshops (optional, but pre-registration is required)
12:00 pm - Registration and lunch, and bumper sticker contest
1:30 - Plenary Session and Member Convention with John Kitzhaber and the Interim Steering Committee (see grassroots structure document here)
2:45 - Concurrent workshops
4:30 - Looking Forward: Our Next Steps, John Kitzhaber
5:30 - 7:00 pm - Members-only Reception with John Kitzhaber: Appetizers, no-host bar and live music by the Bobby Torres Ensemble - Fun!
» Workshop details (tentative)
Accommodations
Lewis and Clark is making dorm rooms available for those who wish to spend the night Friday and/or Saturday evenings. The lodging must be pre-arranged and costs between $22-$27 per person.
Cost
$30 - Conference sessions, materials and lunch
$35 - The above, plus the Members-only Reception and 1-year membership
A limited number of scholarships are available. You may also inquire about a travel stipend.
For more information or to reserve a room or to arrange to pay onsite, please contact Matt Webber at 503-860-5854 or matt@wecandobetter.org.
To register and pay for the Conference, please use our secure online process. To reserve a place now, but register and pay on-site, or to request a scholarship. Please contact Matt.
Our second Leadership Training will be held the first Saturday in April. Please RSVP using the sign-up link below (preferred, though you must be logged-in to use the sign-up feature) or by sending an email to matt@wecandobetter.org.
This training will focus on three things:
We will also hope to introduce our new staff members.
You can listen online by clicking the triangular "play" button above or download the MP3 as a podcast using the link below. This event was hosted by the Eastside Portland Chapter.
35:05 minutes (8 MB)With the effective attention to our growing health care crisis raised by Michael Moore’s new movie “SiCKO” and the recent Community Health Care Forum held on July 2nd at The Olympia Center, we want to build on the momentum that has been created towards securing health care for everyone in Washington State and nationally.
Please join us for an open discussion and strategy-building meeting with local health care advocates.
DATE: Monday, July 23, 2007 TIME: 7:00 to 9:00 P.M.
LOCATION: Olympia Timberland Library, 313 8th Ave. SE (in downtown Olympia) Let’s keep the energy going and the dialogue flowing!
Contact: Linda Davis at lrsdavis@dreamlinque.net or (360) 918-8889
This 90 min. presentation on June 13 and 6-hr. workshop on June 30 will empower you with the background, evidence-based research and skills you need to effectively communicate about health care reform. Highly recommended!
-- Chris Toal
Olympia We Can Do Better Chapter
Meeting Scheduled -- May 3, 2007
Time: 7:00pm
Location: 4022 Rechet Court SE, Olympia (see attached map)
Request: Please bring one interested person with you who did not attend the last meeting
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. REVIEW MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING –Kris Kernan
III. INTRODUCTION OF NEW MEMBERS
IV. TEMPORARY LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE
· Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary
V. OLYMPIA WCDB PURPOSE AND PLAN
· Committee Formation
· Strategic Direction
VI. MEMBERSHIP/INVOLVEMENT WITH WASHINGTON HEALTH SECURITY COALTION
VII. UPDATE ON KITZHABER LESGISTION – Chris Toal
VIII. UPDATE ON WASHINGTON HEALTH CARE BILLS –Kris Kernan
IX. SCHEDULE NEXT MEETING
· Location suggestions?
Health Care for the 21st Century: A Call to Action
A dynamic 45 min. video lecture featuring the expertise offormer Oregon Governor, John Kitzhaber, MD
This is a great opportunity for anyone who is concerned about the current state of our health care system to learn what you can do about it!
Local health care reform activists are forming an Olympia chapter of We Can Do Better, Gov. Kitzhaber’s grassroots action group.
For more information, call 360-753-5276.
Want to know where the Presidential candidates stand on health care reform?
The Archimedes Movement invites you and your guests to join us on a statewide (and beyond) house party conference call with John Kitzhaber on Thursday, October 16th. The call is to discuss the health reform plans of Presidential candidates Sen. John McCain and Sen. Barack Obama, as well as address the need for grassroots reform at the state level. This is a great opportunity for you to invite family, friends, and neighbors into your home to not only learn learn about the candidates' plans but also to grow the Archimedes Movement. 