“The time to repair our healthcare system has arrived. The Oregon Better Health Act will provide the foundation for this repair. This legislation will provide signifi cant improvement in access to healthcare services for all Oregonians, while at the same time bringing an end to excessive infl ation in health care spending. This legislation will improve the health of Orego- nians as well as help to maintain a healthy and competitive business environment.”
— Andrew Picken, MD

“As a doctor at a safety-net clinic, I see people every day who are symptoms of our worsening health care crisis. Hardworking Oregonians cannot afford health care now, how will we all afford health care in the future? The Oregon Better Health Act is an opportunity for Oregon to set a new course. We can lead the nation towards more affordable, effi cient, effective health care for all. We can provide a better future for ourselves and our children.”
— Evan Saulino, MD (Virginia Garcia Clinic)

“Health care is headed toward a crisis, and I certainly support Governor Kitzhaber’s efforts to create positive change.”
— Peter Kohler, MD (retired, OHSU)

“A young person is seldom hurt more grievously or more subtly than when an infl uential adult acts apathetically towards that young person’s future. We all know that the current health system is planning, by default, to have no money left when are older and in greater need of it. Young people are very happy to see our leaders beginning to work towards a health care plan that will consider our future, in addition to better serving current needs. Even more exciting, I’ve found that my generation is feeling empowered to help.”
— Isaac Holeman, student at Lewis and Clark

“AARP Oregon commends former Governor John Kitzhaber for his bold leadership to advance one of the most serious and growing challenges facing Oregon and our country – ensuring that Oregonians and Americans of every age have access to affordable, quality health care. This is a top priority that AARP, along with a growing number of political figures and business, labor and consumer organizations, have been championing as well. In fact, our nearly half a million members in Oregon continually tell us that health care security for their themselves, their kids, grandkids, and future generations is their No. 1 concern."
Jerry Cohen, AARP Oregon State Director

“Health Care as is currently implemented is not working. Everyone should have access to Health Care. We need to some form of universal access to health care since our current system is broken.”
— Patty Brost, Elders in Action

“Eugene is strongly supporting the idea of universal health care. The problems of the pres- ent situation are obvious. As far as solutions go, everyone has preferences. Now is the time to listen critically to all constructive proposals.”
— Frank Turner, MD (Archimedes Eugene Chapter)

"The Oregon Better Health Act recognizes the failings of our current health care system. The Act proposes that all Oregonians have access to a system funded by current public resources. The Oregon Chapter-American College of Physicians endorses the principles outlined in the Act. They provide a basis for much needed health care reform.”
— Robert Gluckman, MD, FACP (Governor, Oregon Chapter-American College of Physicians)

“Through the Archimedes Movement, Dr. Kitzhaber has been able to galvanize many leaders to support the need for health care reform - both here in Oregon and nationally. Providence supports his vision. It has been a privilege for us to be part of this important discussion and to exchange ideas with such a diverse group of stakeholders.”
— Russ Danielson, Chief Operating Officer, Providence Health System - Oregon Region

“The Oregon Better Health Act provides a framework for true health care reform that is sustainable and fi scally transparent and feasible. It was developed using a participative process that sought out input from a diverse group of stakeholders including consumers, unions, employers, providers and insurers and therefore presents a uniquely collaborative and principled approach to solving this serious problem. We commend Governor Kitzhaber for his leadership, insight and vision in shaping this important work.”
— Ken Provencher, CEO PacificSource Health Plans

“With no less than 14 different health reform proposals circulating around the state, Oregonians have a wonderful opportunity to lead health care reform discussions locally and nationally. It’s time to roll up our sleeves and do what it takes to work toward fundamental health care reform. But we need to be thoughtful, to be sure that incremental reform won’t cause unintended consequences. We must address state reform together with federal tax changes and Medicare policy and payment changes, if we are in-tend to make a legitimate difference. Governor Kitzhaber’s proposal recognizes these critical aspects and refl ects the courage necessary to challenge the status quo. Oregon’s hospital community will continue to be an active participant in the Governor’s process.”
— Andrew S. Davidson, President and CEO, Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems

“The Archimedes Movement has done a wonderful job of including the voices of those who are disenfranchised--those who are truly in need of an improved health care system--in the development of this legislative concept. Whereas many reform plans are developed with only the major health care stakeholders in the room, the Archimedes Movement has gone to great lengths to ensure the concerns of consumers have been addressed.”
— Chris DeMars, Program Officer, Northwest Health Foundation

“Governor Kitzhaber and the Archimedes Movement have begun a process and proposed a means for health-care reform that is logical and rational. We applaud the governor’s work and vision.”
— Scott Gallant, Associate Executive Director of the Oregon Medical Association