Health care event thread--2009 and after

Please remember to call Congressman Rick Larsen’s office on Tuesday, January 6, 2009 anytime from 6 am to 2 pm Pacific Standard Time. The toll free number is 1-866-338-1015. When the operator answers, ask for Congressman Rick Larsen’s office.

Tell Rick Larsen’s staff that you want him to sign on as a sponsor of House Resolution 676 which would establish single payer health care for all US residents.

If you wish, you can also add why you want to have him sign on. For example:

Single payer national health insurance is politically feasible. A majority of physicians (59 percent) and an even higher proportion of Americans (62 percent or more) support single-payer national health insurance or "Medicare for All." per a study in the April 2008 Annals of Internal Medicine *.

In spite of this, all we are hearing about today are mandate plans that would require everyone to buy the same private insurance that is already failing us. These proposals don't regulate insurance premiums, they don't keep the insurance companies from refusing to pay many of our bills, and they don't improve the insurance we now have. Some offer a "public option," but this will quickly become too expensive as the sick flee to the public sector as private insurers avoid them, abandon them, or make it too difficult for them to get their bills paid.

You can also add a brief personal reason such as: you or someone you know can’t get health insurance, or that the insurance they can afford is inadequate and does not cover needed medication or medical care.

_________________________________________________________________

Reference for above cited article:

*Carroll, A., Ackerman, R., "Support for National Health Insurance Among U.S. Physicians: 5 Years Later," Annals of Internal Medicine, 148(7), April 1, 2008; ABC News/Washington Post, Oct 9-13

________________________________________________________________________


Membership Meeting
Our next general membership meeting will be held on:

Thursday, January 22, 2009 7 pm
1700 N. State Street , Bellingham
downstairs in Laborers Hall (on left side of building)

Obama Transition Team Meetings

Many of us attended Obama Transition Team Community meetings during the month of December in Blaine , Ferndale , and Bellingham . At all of the meetings, health care reform was discussed. The vast majority of attendees at all the meetings supported national single payer health care. There were approximately 12 attendees at the Blaine meeting and at the Ferndale meeting; and there were 47 attendees at the Bellingham meeting held at the Laborers Hall on December 30.

The 47 persons who attended the Bellingham meeting represented a good cross section of our community-- ranging from physicians and nurses to college professors, office workers, factory workers, social service workers, teachers, business owners, disabled workers, and retirees. To me the most remarkable thing about the meeting was that all these people from different walks of life came to virtually unanimous agreement on what needs to be done to reform our health care system.

After these three meetings, the hosts transmitted the results of the meeting to the Obama Transition Team web site appropriate to their meeting. It was truly a wonderful opportunity to make our voices heard by the upcoming administration.

If you would like a full copy of the report for the Bellingham meeting, please e-mail me at the address below.

Aileen Satushek
Board Member
United for National Healthcare

You can e-mail me at: supporter {at} unitedforhealthcare.org. Please do not reply to this e-mail as replies to the e-mail are “bounced” and not received.

You can call me at (360) 398-2295.
web site www.ufhc.org

Neighborhood Action Teams are organizing this winter to lobby for state and national reform efforts for universal health care. Participants include many local activists including members of Health Care for All-Washington and Physicians for a National Health Program’s Western Washington chapter.

The South King County Action Team held its next meeting at the Kent Regional Library on Sun. Jan. 11th from 2-4pm. It includes all those who live in the 30th, 33rd, and 47th legislative districts.
Their founding meeting Nov 23rd had participants from each of the LD’s. Each district discussed how to make appointments with their respective legislators, and to encourage them to co-sponsor our Washington Health Security Trust bill.

Another suggestion that came up from several districts was to work more closely with the local Democratic Party district organizations, and especially with their health care sub groups. Different community outreach methods were also outlined, and also suggestions for internal training session on talking points for single-payer health care.

Many members of the above Action Team were also present at the health community discussion, at Saltwater Church on Dec 28th, initiated by the Daschle-Obama health policy team. We had a group of about 20 people there, and most people expressed support for a single-payer system. For more information on the South King County Action Team contact Ruth Knagenhjelm, South King County AT coordinator, georgiaboy {at} qwest.net .

The South Seattle/Vashon/Tukwila Action Team will hold its next meeting at the Beacon Hill branch of the Seattle Public Library on Sun. Jan 25th from 2-4pm. It includes all those who live in the 11th, 34th, and 37th legislative districts.

Their founding meeting was in Sept 28th. Participants discussed thanking Rep. Bob Hasegawa (11th), Sen. Adam Kline (37th), and Rep. Eric Pettigrew (37th) for co-sponsoring the WHST last session, and asking for their support this term.

Many participants were active in their local Democratic Party, and discussed getting overt support for single-payer health care. It was noted Portland & Eugene OR have strong church groups participating in health care reform efforts. And many admired the energy of the California Nurses Association in working for single-payer there.

Vashon Island participants reminded others that the Community Council there endorsed state single-payer several years ago. The new Rep. Sharon Nelson is from Vashon and should be reminded of the Council’s position.

For more information on the South Seattle/Vashon/Tukwila Action Team contact Martha Koester, AT coordinator, fomalhaut2003 {at} yahoo.com .

The North Seattle Action Team will hold its next meeting at the Green Lake branch of the Seattle Public Library on Sun. Feb. 1st from 2-4pm. It includes all those who live in the 36th, 43rd, and 46th legislative districts. Their founding meeting was in Sept 14th, and reported on in the last newsletter.

Participants had committed to thanking their legislators who supported the WHST in the last session, and asking for their renewed support: Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles (36th), Rep. Mary Lou Dickerson (36th), Sen. Ed Murray (43rd), and Sen. Ken Jacobson (46th). We’ll get report backs on what participants have learned from discussion with legislators. Also on the agenda for Feb 1st is a report from HCFA/PNHP on the Actuarial Study which has not yet been released, and plans for a Lobby Day in Olympia. Members in the 46th district proposed an educational forum on various state efforts at health care reform in conjunction with our state actuarial study on costing out various proposals for Washington. We’ll hear an update on the planning for that forum, as well.
For more information on the North Seattle Action Team contact Chuck Richards, AT coordinator, csrichards {at} msn.com .

We are looking for readers who are interested in forming Action Teams on the Eastside of Lake Washington as well as in Shoreline and the 1st Congressional District. Contact any of the above AT coordinators for more information.

Sing Out for Single Payer Road Shows!


http://annefeeney. com/specialevent s.html


Tuesday, July 21st, 2009 - 7:00 PM
Unitarian Universalist Chruch
4505 E 18th Street
Vancouver, WA 98661
360-254-8703

With: Adam & Kris, Brian QTN, Bluegrass Dave Wilmoth, Wickline, Anne Feeney and Jason Luckett

Price: donations

For more info. contact: Cindi Fisher @
cindipacha@gmail. com

Sponsored by Vancouver Health Care Now!

Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009 - 8:00 PM

River's Edge
1011 First Street
Snohomish, WA 98102
360-568-5835
http://www.riversed ge.bz

With: Anne Feeney, Jason Luckett, Bluegrass Dave Wilmoth, Wickline, Brian QTN and more!

Price: $10 suggested


Thursday, July 23rd, 2009 - 8:00 PM

Olympia Community Center
222 Columbia St NW
Olympia, WA

With: Adam & Kris, Brian QTN, Bluegrass Dave Wilmoth, Anne Feeney, Jason Luckett, Wickline and more!!

Price: donations


Friday, July 24th, 2009 - 7:00 PM

Peninsula Community College Student Center
1502 East Lauridsen Blvd.
Port Angeles, WA 98362
360-683-8407

With: Anne Feeney, Bluegrass Dave Wilmoth, Jason Luckett & more!

Price: donations

For more info. contact: Carlyn syvanenx@teleport. com is the contact

Organized by Reform Health Care Now! and the Green Party of Clallam County


Saturday, July 25th, 2009 - 8:00 PM

The Quincy Jones Theater
400 23rd Avenue
Seattle, WA 98122

With: Sharon Abreu & Michael Hurwicz, Anne Feeney, Jason Luckett, the Seattle Labor Chorus, Bluegrass Dave Wilmoth, Sheila Liming, Wickline and Ben Silver!

Physicians for a National Health Program is sponsoring this show!


Sunday, July 26th, 2009 - 7:00 PM

First United Methodist Church
621 Tacoma Ave
Tacoma, WA 98402
253-590-6543

With Rebel Voices, Anne Feeney, Jason Luckett, Bluegrass Dave Wilmoth and Ben Silver!

Price: donations

For more info. contact: Marilyn Kimmerling mkimmerling@ harbornet. com

Sponsored by the Micah Project


Monday, July 27th, 2009 - 7:30 PM

Whatcom Peace and Justice Center
100 E Maple Street
Bellingham, WA 98227
360-734-0217
http://www.whatcomp jc.org/calendar. html

With Ben Silver, Citizens' Band, Bluegrass Dave Wilmoth, Jason Luckett and Anne Feeney!

Price: donations

Our January Monthly Meeting focuses on a very timely topic – health care reform at the national level. First, David Loud, will give us an update on what Jim McDermott is thinking about the prospects for moving single-payer forward in DC, and what he is thinking about the Obama and Kennedy plans. We are indeed fortunate to have Aaron Katz as our main speaker and leader of the discussion on “The Post-Obama Agenda - What If His Reform Plans Are Passed?” Aaron is Senior Lecturer of Health Services, School of Public Health, University of Washington and a well known authority on health care policy.

Once again, the meeting will be held in the Swed/Prov/Cherry Hill Campus Conference Center Auditorium – stairs to the left of the 1st Floor cafeteria – for directions go to - http://www.pnhpwesternwashington.org/PAGES/swed_prov_directions.htm

Please make every effort to participate.

David McLanahan
Coordinator, PNHPWW

United for National Healthcare Meeting,
Thursday, January 22, 2009, 7 pm
Laborers Hall, downstairs, 1700 N. State St., Bellingham

All are welcome!


Agenda:
1) Treasurer’s Report
2) Question and Answer Session on Single Payer Healthcare
3) Reports on Current Activities
4) Member Input on Coming Year’s Activities and Direction

For more information, call (360) 714-8999 or (360) 398-2295

Bellingham's first Global Health Lecture!

Because we do not know if this forum supports national single payer healthcare, United for National Healthcare does not specifically endorse this event, but we believe that it could be a good event to attend and express our point of view.

Title: CHANGING U.S. POLICIES FOR GLOBAL HEALTH: YES WE CAN!
"The new administration provides an opportunity to change U.S. neoliberal policies that have undermined the promise of 'Health For All.' Dr. Gloyd critically explores the forces that have worked and those that have not, and suggests new directions for positive change."

Featured Guest: Dr. Stephen Gloyd, Associate Chair, U.W. Department of Global Health and Executive Director, Health Alliance International

Date: January 21, 2009, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Place: St. Luke's Community Health Education Center (HEC) Room A, 3333 Squalicum Parkway

Directions: From I-5, take Exit 255 and head west on Sunset Drive, following signs to the hospital. At the corner of Squalicum Parkway and Ellis Street, turn right. The HEC is located at the far end of the street on the left-hand side at 3333 Squalicum Parkway. Room A is straight
through the front doors of the HEC.

Contact: Dr. Liz Mogford, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Sociology, WWU, liz.mogford {at} wwu.edu

Background: St. Joseph's Hospital, in conjunction with Western Washington University, has created a Critical Junctures Institute for Health Advancement and Research. One of the outcomes of this new institute is to provide the larger Bellingham community with a public forum to raise awareness about global health issues and promote health equity in Bellingham and beyond through a quarterly Global Health and Social Justice Lecture series.


Report on Ferndale Obama Community Health Care Meeting

Barbara Daugert, the host of the Ferndale Obama Community Health Care Meeting, gave us permission to publish her meeting report in a member e-mail. This meeting was not sponsored by United for National Healthcare; and, therefore, it is interesting to note that the vast majority of its attendees wanted meaningful health care reform very much along the lines of a single payer health care system.

HEALTH CARE FORUM
December 29, 2008

We had an attendance of twelve people at our home in Ferndale , Washington . Our discussion lasted two hours and the synopsis of our discussion is listed below.



Issue #1: Obama-Biden plan vs. Universal Single Payer plan

No one supported the Obama-Biden plan and the vast majority supported Universal Single Payer or some other form modeled on that plan. There were a few of us who were uncertain at the beginning of the meeting.

General comments about the Obama-Biden plan were in relation to how a system that would maintain the for profit status of insurance companies, drug companies and doctors fees could possibly save any significant money over our existing system. Though we all agreed on the portion of the plan that would affect a more efficient system of medical record keeping and emphasize preventative health care management, we found the method of insuring through various different sources very confusing. We felt that all citizens in all states deserve a single type of insurance that is valid from state to state. Having to shop for insurance was not an option for our group. We were also quite adamant that all insurance should be provided by non-profit companies if Single Payer is not a politically viable solution. We view for profit insurance companies as purely middlemen whose job it is to say “no” to requested medical procedures. It was also strongly felt that hospitals should also be non-profit.



Issue #2: How Would a Universal Single Payer plan work?

Our first suggestion is to have the Obama administration appoint a committee made up of health care experts who are not associated with any health care lobbies, study the plans of those countries who have socialized medicine to determine what works and what doesn’t. Canada , Germany and France were mentioned as good starting points.

Every citizen would have a national health card ID that would make their health records accessible anywhere in the United States . It was suggested that we use the existing Medicare structure as a starting point and slowly bring in more and more of the population by gradually lowering the age of entry until all are covered. This plan would only be acceptable if it is not politically feasible to enact a universal policy all at once.

Issue #3: How to reduce the cost of drugs

The government would negotiate prices on drugs as is now done by the Veterans Administration and insurance companies. There is no logical reason for drug companies to be charging our citizens far more for the same drug that can be purchased in Canada or Europe for much less. We all agree that drug companies need to make a fair profit in order to continue their research and development of important new drugs. Drug companies should not be allowed to advertise their drugs! This increases the cost of the drug and puts pressure on doctors to prescribe the drug because their patients request them. This is not good medical practice.

Issue #4: Education

Citizens need to start taking more responsibility for their own health by improving their diets and getting far more exercise. The government’s role in this would be to provide public service advertising about healthful nutrition and activity. This should start in elementary school. Daily physical exercise must be required from Kindergarten through the senior years of high school.

The nutritional content of food provided in the schools must be greatly improved. Two of our group had worked in the public schools in recent years and said the lunch program consisted of tater tots, pizza and chocolate milk. They felt that much of the food chosen had to do with government contracts for foods grown and supplied by corporate farming and pushed by their lobbyists. Instead, the menus should be planned around good, scientific nutrition. Lobbyists need to stay away from our public schools. No vending machines should be allowed in the schools either unless they dispense fruits and healthy snacks.

Issue #5: Strategy and Goal setting

In order for all this to come about we need to educate skeptics who are suspicious of “socialized” medicine. This can be achieved by connecting all local health care discussion groups who favor this type of medical coverage and begin putting organized, from the ground up, pressure on our congressmen and senators. We propose holding local meetings and invite local business people and politicians. We would argue that a single payer system is less costly to businesses (especially small businesses) and to their employees and would provide better coverage. We realize that a universal single payer system will be a hard sell in congress, but with enough public pressure on our congressmen and women they will have to yield to public demand or risk losing their next election. A healthy population is for the common good!

Please remember to call Congressman Rick Larsen’s office on Tuesday, February 3, 2009 anytime from 6 am to 2 pm Pacific Standard Time. The toll free number is 1-866-338-1015. When the operator answers, ask for Congressman Rick Larsen’s office.

Tell Rick Larsen’s staff that you want him to sign on as a sponsor of House Resolution 676 which would establish single payer health care for all US residents.

If you wish, you can also add why you want to have him sign on. For example
A single-payer national health care program would save $387* billion rather than adding billions of dollars to an already overburdened system. A single-payer federally-administered national health program would help contain costs by eliminating paperwork, and by creating global budgets and bulk purchasing, including prescription medications. Single-payer is the only feasible route to universal health care that would cover everyone, and be cost-effective for government, individuals, and business. Everyone would benefit except the private insurance companies, which would be eliminated in a single-payer system.

* (Scholarly references that support these figures can be supplied upon request by United for National Healthcare.)

You can also add a brief personal reason such as: you or someone you know can’t get health insurance, or that the insurance they can afford is inadequate and does not cover needed medication or medical care.
_____________________________________________________________________Membership Meeting
Our next general membership meeting will be held on:

Thursday, February 26, 2009 7 pm
1700 N. State Street , Bellingham
downstairs in Laborers Hall (on left side of building)

_____________________________________________________________________

Global Health Care Forum - Saturday, February 21, 2009 9:45 am-noon
Bellingham Public Library Downstairs Meeting Room 210 Central Ave.
Bellingham, WA 98225.

Featuring FRONTLINE: Sick Around the World, from PBS.

Following this will be a presentation by our local League Health Care Committee and audience discussion regarding the health care systems of different countries. For more information, please take a look at the information on Health Care posted on the League of Women Voters website at http://www.lwvbellinghamwhatcom.org/
on the Current Issues page.
9:45 am Coffee & social . 10 am - noon - Program
Sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Bellingham

Aileen Satushek
Board Member
United for National Healthcare

You can e-mail me at: supporter {at} unitedforhealthcare.org. You can call me at (360) 398-2295.
web site www.ufhc.org
New content is often added to the website. You can bookmark our calendar.

The following is a quote from an article in the New York Review of Books "Godot Comes to Sarajevo" (Vol XL #17, pp 52-59, October 21, 1993) by Susan Sontag. (Not online, unfortunately.) She went there to put on the play "Waiting for Godot" when Sarajevo was under daily bombardment--people wanted artistic diversion as much as they wanted food. The quote is a very brief aside from the main topic.


The only actor who seemed to have normal stamina was the oldest member of the cast. Ines Fancovic, who is 68. Still a stout woman, she has lost more than 60 pounds since the beginning of the siege, and this may have accounted for her remarkable energy. The other actors were visibly underweight and tired easily. Lucky must stand motionless through most of his long scene but never sets down the heavy bag he carries. Atko, who plays him (and now weighs no more than 100 pounds) asked me to excuse him if he occasionally rested his empty suitcase on the floor throughout the rehearsal period. Whenever I halted the run-through for a few minutes to change a movement or a line reading, all the actors, with the exception of Ines, would instantly lie down on the stage.

Another symptom of fatigue: the actors were slower to memorize their lines than any I have ever worked with. Ten days before the opening they still needed to consult their scripts, and were not word-perfect until the day before the dress rehersal.

It ought to be obvious to anybody that Ines was energetic not because of weight loss, but because she had the weight to lose. Note that she is still fat after having endured severe famine conditions for a couple of years. It seems to have been much easier for her to tolerate going from 300# to 240# (my guess) than for Atko(hypothetically) to go from 160# to 100#.

This tells you why some people are fat--more of their ancestors than usual had to withstand conditions like this. It pays to have at least a few people in every society who are still mentally alert and physically capable under conditions that make metabolically normal people weak and stupid, even if they have major disadvantages when times are good. Sure looks like at least one fat old lady could really sing it during bad times.

If you have a metabolism like Ines, the only hope for coming close to "normal" weight is a lifetime commitment to recreating the famine conditions your ancestors were genetically adapted to, and for many people that isn't going to be feasible. And they are indeed making a choice to be fat indirectly. The primary choice is that they prefer to have actual lives.

The health nazis think that fat people ought to be required to live under a permanent state of siege, Sarajevo or the equivalent forever. What if you would prefer to have an actual life?


http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6977423.stm

The University of Texas team manipulated the gene, called adipose, to alter the amount of fat tissue laid down by fruit flies, worms and mice.

If the same effect could be achieved in humans, which also carry the gene, it is hoped it could lead to new ways to fight obesity and diabetes.

The study is published in the journal Cell Metabolism.

Lead researcher Dr Jonathan Graff said: "From worms to mammals, this gene controls fat formation.

"It could explain why so many people struggle to lose weight, and suggests an entirely new direction for developing medical treatments that address the current epidemic of diabetes and obesity.



The people who really don't believe in science are the ones who immediately forget everything they know about scientific reasoning when someone says the magic word "fat". Oddly, muscle is never the subject of such idiotic unreason. A few years ago I was reading one of the exercise magazines at my health club, and came upon an article that compared the effects of a strength training regimen on football players, weight lifters and endurance athletes. Turns out that the football players and weight lifters added quite a bit of muscle mass, but the endurance athletes added very little, though they had noticeable strength gains.

Did the authors conclude that the endurance athletes just refused to try hard enough, lacked will power, or had serious psychological issues with their fathers? Nope, they rationally concluded that college athletes tend to pick sports that their genetics predisposed them to be good at. It would really be great if people could get that rational ahout fat. Do any health improvement program you like--you have no control over its outcome.

Please remember to call Congressman Rick Larsen’s office on Tuesday, April 7, 2009 anytime from 6 am to 2 pm Pacific Standard Time. The toll free number is 1-866-338-1015. When the operator answers, ask for Congressman Rick Larsen’s office.

Tell Rick Larsen’s staff that you want him to sign on as a sponsor of House Resolution 676 which would establish single payer health care for all US residents.

If you wish, you can also add why you want to have him sign on. For example:

Plans that keep insurance companies in cannot achieve significant savings.

The key to administrative simplicity in Canada is single-source payment through a public insurer. As provided for in HR 676, Canadian hospitals have a global annual budget to cover all costs which virtually eliminates the expense of billing. Physicians bill a single agency using a simple form, and fee schedules are negotiated annually between provincial medical associations and governments. In contrast, US providers face a multitude of plans—at least 755 in Seattle alone—each with its own rules and paperwork.
(January 2003, American Journal of Public Health, page 103)


You can also add a brief personal reason such as: you or someone you know can’t get health insurance, or that the insurance they can afford is inadequate and does not cover needed medication or medical care

This message is to inform Seattle residents of a very special Seattle City Council meeting taking place on Tuesday, February 17th at 2PM in the City Council chambers. The Council will vote on a resolution proposed by Councilmember Nick Licata to send a message to our Congressional delegation to support HR 676 (introduced by John Conyers) and HR 1200 (introduced by Jim McDermott), both of which would create a single-payer National Health Program, that would cover everyone, save money and provide a boost for our economy.

If at all possible, please come to this meeting to show your support, as Nick has requested.

Thank you,

Don Mitchell, Chair PNHPWW
David McLanahan, Coordinator, PNHP Western Washington

*Note – you can also show your support by going to:

http://www.pnhpwesternwashington.org/Forms/WriteYourRepresentative/write_your_seattlecitycouncil_reps_form.htm

where there is an editable message you can send the Councilmembers

United for National Healthcare Meeting,
Thursday, February 26, 2009, 7 pm
Laborers Hall, downstairs, 1700 N. State St., Bellingham

All are welcome!

Agenda:

1) Treasurer’s Report
2) Question and Answer Session on Single Payer Financing
3) Reports on Current Activities

a) Getting the single payer health care message to key members of the U.S. Congress and Senate who are currently introducing health reform legislation. Participation in National Call In Day.

b) Forming new groups in western Washington . New UNHC group on Whidbey Island .

c) Expanding Whatcom County public education and mobilization toward enacting HR 676. Literature Committee Report.

4) Fundraising Discussion.
a) June 20, 2009 Bellingham Food Co-op Shopping Day
b) Fundraising Dinner in late Spring or early Summer
c) Movie Night

For more information, call (360) 714-8999 or (360) 398-2295

Aileen Satushek
Board Member
United for National Healthcare

You can e-mail me at: supporter {at} unitedforhealthcare.org.
You can call me at (360) 398-2295.
web site www.ufhc.org
New content is often added to the website. You can bookmark our calendar.

uninsured that are illegal aliens?

United for National Healthcare Membership Meeting

Thursday, March 26, 2009
7:00 pm

Laborer's Hall (downstairs on left side of building)
1700 N State, Bellingham WA


Rumors of the death of the drive for Single Payer Not For Profit Health Care are false. We continue to push from our end, and millions all around the country are also in action!

As you may know, efforts by single-payer advocates resulted in 2 single-payer representatives at Obama's Health Care Summit. It was a small victory, but a victory nevertheless.

Now is the time for continued action! Last November, the American people voted to change the disastrous course our country was headed in. President Obama promises health care reform this year. Everywhere you turn, people are speaking out, weighing in on the solution. The insurance companies are in the mix, working for a solution that maintains their role - and their profits.

This is the moment we have been working toward; this is the time for ACTION! A rally will be held Saturday May 30, in Seattle to support health reform this year. While the rally will not endorse single-payer as the solution, we will participate to demonstrate support for single-payer. We have asked for a speaker that will call for single-payer to be on the table with all other proposals, and we will show up May 30 with our signs and banners to show the broad support for single-payer. There are other single-payer forces throughout the state that are also planning to organize their supporters for this event. The bigger our contingent, the more hope we have to get single-payer included in discussions for reform.

Join us at our general meeting Thursday, March 26 to plan for the May 30 demonstration, and to discuss further ACTION at this critical time.


Other Agenda Items:

· Discuss the financing of HR 676

· Win Win Campaign - Along with Jobs with Justice Co-Chair Betsy Pernotto, we have determined the City of Bellingham could save $8.8 million dollars if HR 676 were enacted.

· Fundraising to support our work


For more information, call (360) 714-8999 or (360) 398-2295

Aileen Satushek
Board Member
United for National Healthcare
supporter {at} unitedforhealthcare.org
You can call me at (360) 398-2295.
web site: http://www.ufhc.org

An e-mail from Physicians for a National Health Program, urging us to call Rick Larsen to ask him to attend their April 1 forum. PNHP is the organization that drafted HR 676, the bill that Representative Conyers has introduced to the US House that would establish national single payer healthcare.

Please call Rick Larsen by this Friday between 6 am and 2 pm. The toll free telephone number is: 1-866-338-1015.

League of Women Voters Health Care Reform Forum, April 18

The League of Women Voters is holding a panel discussion on health care reform on Saturday, April 18, 9:45 am in the downstairs Bellingham Public Library meeting room.

Single payer advocates Chris Lindberg, President of United for National Healthcare and Larry Kalb of Healthcare Now Washington are among the panelists. Other points of view will be represented as well. There should be an interesting debate, and I urge you to attend. You will have an opportunity to comment and ask questions.

The tickets are now available at Brown Paper Ticket for the Rep. McDermott, M.D./Mr. Ron Reagan program at Town Hall, May 16th at high noon.

Progressive Talk, AM 1090 will co-sponsor, tape and Podcast the program and Seattle Channel TV 21 will tape and air it. With AM1090 on board promoting the event the Town Hall folks feel the tickets will sell quickly.

Town Hall, downstairs, holds #250
Event title: Winning Health Care for All

Sponsors: The 65th Street Change Gang
Brought to you by: Progressive Talk, AM1090
Saturday: May 16th, 2009
Tickets: Brown Paper Tickets $8.00
brownpapertickets.com
800-838-3006

Times: 11:00 doors open, Musical entertainment
12:00-12:05 Mr. Reagan welcomes the audience & introduces Rep. Jim McDermott

12:05-12:10 Rep. Jim Dermott will give a brief 5 minute talk entitled: “Health care for all, if not now, when?"

12:10-12:35 A conversation with Rep. Jim McDermott hosted by Mr. Ron Reagan

12:35-1:00 Q&A from audience

Upcoming Activities

We have a busy spring schedule. Your participation, volunteer work, and possible financial contributions will be vital to bringing street heat to the single payer issue. You will receive further details in an e-mail sent out later this month. You can e-mail me or call me if you would like to support any or all of these activities. Here is our schedule:

* May 23, Ski to Sea Parade in Bellingham. We need volunteers

* May 30, State wide health care reform rally in Seattle. The organizers hope to rally a crowd of at least 2500 participants. We plan to send one or two busloads of single payer supporters(50 to 100 persons) from Whatcom County with banners and signs. We will need funds and volunteers to make this happen.

* Early June - Spaghetti Dinner, to raise funds and also give us a change to get together and enjoy some great entertaibnment. We need volunteers

* June 20 - Co-op Shopping Day at both the downtown and Cordata stores: A fund raising event.

I look forward to hearing from you. Your support makes it possible to educate the public and build the single payer movement.

Aileen Satushek
United for National Healthcare
supporter {at}| unitedforhealthcare.org.
(360) 398-2295.
www.ufhc.org

In Sickness and In Wealth

Sunday, April 19th
4- 6 PM
Federal Way 320th Library
848 South 320th Street in Federal Way 98003

Please note that the film will be shown at the 320th Library in Federal Way. The doors will open at 3:30 so that we'll have some time to snack and socialize before the film begins at 4.


Is inequality making us sick?

In Sickness and In Wealth is the first episode in the acclaimed documentary series, Unnatural Causes, originally broadcast in 2008 on PBS. The series crisscrosses the nation, uncovering startling new findings that suggest there is much more to our health than bad habits, health care, or unlucky genes. The social circumstances in which we are born, live, and work can actually get under our skin and disrupt our physiology as much as germs and viruses. Unnatural Causes draws attention to the root causes of health and illness, and shows us that economic, racial and social injustice and inequality are not just abstract concepts, but have very real health consequences. This powerful documentary film suggests to us that effectively addressing these inequalities may, in fact, be one the best medicines of all. Running time: 56 minutes. (from the Unnatural Causes' website)

Please join us for facilitated discussion following the film with guests from the University of Washington's Population Health Forum.

United for National Healthcare General Meeting
Thursday, April 23, 2009
7:00 pm
Laborer's Hall (downstairs on left side of building)
1700 N State, Bellingham WA

Agenda

Planning and mobilizing for the Ski to Sea Grand Parade on May 23 in Bellingham . We need you to volunteer to march, to bring medical equipment such as wheelchairs and hospital gowns, and to help assemble signs and banners. Approximately 10,000 persons watch the Ski to Sea Parade. We have a lot of fun participating, and it is a wonderful opportunity to get the single payer message out to the Bellingham and Whatcom County community.

Planning and mobilizing for the May 30 Health Care Reform March in Seattle . We need you to sign up to ride a bus from Bellingham to Seattle , to march in the parade. This is our opportunity to make a strong statement to the State of Washington and the entire United States that we want national single payer health care on the legislative table. It is expected that between 3,000 and 10,000 persons will be marching, and that state and national elected officials will address the crowd.

To obtain more information and to sign up to participate in the Ski to Sea Grand Parade on May 23 and the Seattle Statewide Health Care Reform Rally on May 30, e-mail me at the address below or call (360) 714-8999 or (360) 398-2295

Aileen Satushek
Board Member
United for National Healthcare
supporter {at} unitedforhealthcare.org
(360) 398-2295.
http://www.ufhc.org

South Seattle Action Team (11th, 34th & 37th LD’s) will meet again Sun. May 3, 2-4 pm at Beacon Hill Public Library – contact Martha Koester fomalhaut2003 {at} yahoo.com.



North Seattle Action Team (36th, 43rd & 46th LD’s) will meet again Sun. May 3, 2-4 pm at Green Lake Public Library – contact Chuck Richards csrichards {at} msn.com.



South King County Action Team (30th, 33rd & 47th LD’s) will meet Sun. June 7, 2-4 pm at Kent Regional Library – contact Ruth Knagenhjelm georgiaboy {at} qwest.net.



HCFA-Pierce County meets 2nd Mondays in Tacoma, next is May 11. For more information contact Susan Eidenschink susaneiden {at} harbornet.com

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Eastside Action Team (5th, 41st, 45th & 48th LD’s) will meet at the Lake Hills Library May 16– contact Dr. Sara Weinberg weinbergsk {at} msn.com.

Shoreline/South Snohomish Co. (1st, 21st & 32nd LD’swill meet at the Shoreline Library on Apr 26 – contact Chuck Richards csrichards {at} msn.com.

Dear Code Pink

A belly dancer in Morgan County MD demonstrated for national healthcare and it picked up some national press. Now it's spreading across the nation and dancers are stageing demonstaions in all different towns.
We would like to have you join us!
Here is our call

Dancers, Dancers everywhere!
We are being called into action!

Let’s “Shake It Up for Single Payer” outside Senator Patty Murray's office!

We are staging a demonstration to let our representative know that we want single payer healthcare. Single payer healthcare systems (like the ones in Canada and Australia) are systems in which care is based on need, not on ability to pay. Everybody is included, no one is left out.

Watch this:

http://www.grahamazon.com/sp/whatissinglepayer.php

We invite you to join us as we use our talents to draw attention to this important humanitarian issue – and still have fun! Wear your bellydance costume and dance with us!

Jensuya staged the first one 3/30/09 in Morgan County MD see article

http://74.95.82.237:591/morganusa/FMPro?-db=morganusa.fp5&-format=record_detail.html&-lay=allfields&-sortfield=articledate&-sortorder=descend&Category=News&TopStory=Y&-max=20&-recid=44859&-find=

DOWN TOWN SEATTLE:
When: Noon, Monday April 27, 2009

Where: The brick plaza at
2988 Jackson Federal Building
915 2nd Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98174

Some of us will be meeting at Delilah's studio at 11:00 and taking the bus from there. We will leave her studio at 11:20, and take the #5 bus downtown. Please bring your busfare; it should be $1.75. :-)


Her studio is located at:
4128 Fremont Ave. N.
Seattle, WA 98103

This demonstration is sponsored by Single Payer Action, a national non-profit seeking to implement a single payer health insurance system in the United States. Here's their website to find out more about them and the issue of Single Payer Healthcare:
http://singlepayeraction.org/

To learn more about single payer, check out these resources:

Physicians for A National Health Program
http://www.pnhp.org/facts/singlepayer_faq.php

Single Payer Action
http://www.singlepayeraction.org/index.php

Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single-payer_health_care

Seattle organizers
Carolyn Sterling, Dina the Costume Goddess and Delilah

206-632-2353 Home Office
206-632-1906 VDP Studio

Health Care advocates in Pierce County,

Below in a health care presentation that would be good to attend to learn more about the Canadian Health Care System.

Unfortunately, I will be out of town, but I hope to hear about it from you.

Sorry for duplication of emails with the distribution lists that I used.


Monday, May 11, 1:30 p.m.: Mary Ellen Purkis, associate professor of nursing and dean of human and social development at the University of Victoria, discusses using Canada’s universal healthcare system as a model in the United States. Sponsored by the Canadian Studies Center

Carwein Auditorium, UW Tacoma. E-mail canada {at} u.washington.edu

Hello PNHPWW Members and Supporters

This is a very critical time for single payer as Congress, with Pres. Obama's blessing, is focusing on reform that continues to keep the current stakeholders in control, as they issue a "game changing" promise to decrease costs and behave themselves over the next ten years. There are no guarantees nor mechanisms for enforcing these promises. The wishes of a majority of Americans and health care professionals are being ignored.

Our PNHPWW meeting on Wednesday, Wed, May 20th, 7PM, Swed/Prov/Cherry Hill Conference Center Auditorium ( directions - http://www.pnhpwesternwashington.org/PAGES/swed_prov_directions.htm) will focus on what has been happening in Congress recently, including the recent arrests of 13 single payer activists, including PNHP members. We will be pioneering a new technology to have leaders from across the country appear at our monthly meetings for informal discussions and Q&A via SKYPE. Mark Almberg, PNHP National Communications Director has volunteered to help us work the bugs out. With Mark, we will focus on PNHP national strategy regarding Congress and what some other PNHP chapters are doing to respond to the direction Congress is heading.

We will also make final plans for PNHPWW participation in the May 30th Mothers Leading the Way March. We need a good coordinated turnout.

Finally, the 65th Street Change Gang and radio 1090 are sponsoring a forum "Winning Health Care for All" at Town Hall this Saturday, May 16th (11:30 - 2pm). Jim McDermott is featured and PNHPWW will have a representative on the panel (David McLanahan). Unfortunately, Ron Reagan bowed out as moderator due to a death in his family. PNHPWW will have a literature table & we need another volunteer or two to staff it.

Regards

David McLanahan
Coordinator, PNHPWW

In an attempt to expand the debate and put forward views that the insurance companies, Max Baucus and the MSM would prefer to keep off the table, Washington Public Campaigns will be hosting a forum, "Achieving Health Care for All," on May 27 at Spokane Community College. As a bonus, we'll be pointing out the effects of our "pay to play" political campaigns on the debate. PDF poster attached.


It's been endorsed or sponsored by the Spokane Democrats, the North Spokane Democratic Action Team, the local Progressive Democrats of America chapter, but also the League of Women Voters and AARP. Please forward to anyone you know in the Spokane area.


Walt Kloefkorn
7th LD Chair
wkloefkorn {at} yahoo.com

Dear LWVS members and friends,

For those of you who missed the excellent forum last Thursday on Health Care and Health Care Reform, click the following link to King County TV’s website, where a recording of the forum is available: http://king.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=4&clip_id=1709. Featured speakers include advisors to Governor Gregoire and Congressman McDermott, as well as the executive director of the Herndon Alliance.

To find other League forums on the King County TV website, visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/kctv.aspx. On the left side panel click on “Original Programming” which will bring you to “King County Television Programming”. Scroll down to the “Public Forum” section to find two featured League forums. Still more are available by clicking on “More Videos.”

And a reminder: the LWVS Annual Meeting will take place next Thursday, May 21, at 5 p.m. at Seattle First Baptist Church on First Hill (the corner of Harvard and Seneca). $12 at the door covers dinner and registration. Please RSVP at 206-329-4848 or lindsay@seattlelwv.org to ensure that we have enough food for everyone.

Hope to see you there!
Sincerely,
Lindsay Cummings
Staff Associate

The League of Women Voters of Seattle
1620 18th Ave. Ste. 101
Seattle, WA 98122
206-329-4848
lindsay {at} seattlelwv.org
www.seattlelwv.org

Subject: ³Western Washington Single Payer Summit²

Hello Single Payer activists,

This is an update regarding what I know about the meeting at 7PM on Wednesday, June 17th - aka “Western Washington Single Payer Summit” at Swed/Prov/Cherry Hill campus. There will be an agenda set before the meeting based on feedback and we can select a moderator at the meeting. We will have the room set up as circle of tables to facilitate discussion.

This meeting is for organizations whose health care policy strongly supports single payer and is willing to contribute resources to the effort to push it forward this summer. We have definitely gained more vizability in the last several weeks and need to take advantage of that. We’ve seen a lot of support in recent demonstrations and meetings and need to roll up everyone in one big wave. The meeting will not include a general discussion of other health care reform options. The following organizations have indicated they will send representatives:

United for National Health Care
Health Care for All – Wa
PNHP – Western Washington
Progressive Democrats of America – Wa State
65th Street Change Gang
Washington Public Campaigns
Washington Health Security Coalition


Draft Agenda – Please make suggestions for final agenda

Should we form a single payer coalition or coordinating committee?
Assessing our resources in Western Washington
Building our base - outreach to single payer supporters
Coordinating Summer Activities
Summer Festivals
Anne Feeney Sing Out for Single Payer concerts
Pressuring representatives
Stance versus public option as it emerges

There are likely other items that should be on the agenda. Please send suggestions to me or Don Mitchell. I plan to send out the PNHPWW meeting notice on the 10th, announcing that this will not be a regular PNHPWW meeting, but will solely include the above agenda.

I will be on the East Coast from the 11th – 14th, probably without email access, so please include Don Mitchell in any message re “Summit” planning.

David McLanahan
Coordinator, PNHPWW

Hello Single Payer Supporters

Swedish has been kind enough to set up a conference call-in number for those who wish to be part of tomorrow night’s “Western Washington Single Payer Summit” - 206-320-4519 (on Wed, June 17th, 7PM, at the Swedish/Providence/Cherry Hill Campus Conference Center Auditorium (directions - http://www.pnhpwesternwashington.org/PAGES/swed_prov_directions.htm).

As conveyed in a previous email, due to the need to marshal the strongest possible single payer effort this summer as health care reform takes shape in Washington DC, this meeting has been called by organizations that see the need to continue to advocate for single payer over any other reform. We will open up the wall between the Auditorium and room behind it so as to arrange tables in a square for better interactions.

Attending organizations:

United for National Health Care - Bellingham
Health Care for All – Wa
PNHP – Western Washington
Progressive Democrats of America – Wa State
65th Street Change Gang
Washington Public Campaigns
Washington Health Security Coalition
Single Payer Action

Draft Agenda – Will focus on mobilizing for single payer advocacy rather than debating other reform options


Introductions
Selection of moderator
Finalizing agenda
Assessing our SP resources in Western Washington
Building our base - outreach to single payer supporters not previously identified
What should be our most important goal in the next month?
Coordinating Summer Activities

Summer Festivals
Anne Feeney Sing Out for Single Payer concerts
Pressuring representatives

Stance re public option as it emerges
Should we form a single payer coalition or coordinating committee?
Summary and how do we follow up this meeting?

Here are two versions of a flier for a demonstration that grew out of the OFA Health Care Kickoff meeting in Port Orchard last Sunday. River Curtis-Stanley and the attendees feel that we need to make a big, public stand to tell our congressional representatives that the people want single payer.

Our hope is that many groups, organizations, and individuals will participate in the demonstration in front of Norm Dicks’s office at 1019 Pacific Ave. in Tacoma, Monday, June 29 from 3-6 p.m. So let all your groups know to mark their calendars in ink. If we have a good turnout, we can expand the demonstration across the street in front of Maria Cantwell’s and Patty Murray’s offices at 950 Pacific Ave.

Make your own signs to wave, or join River and others for a sign-making party the weekend before the demonstration (River will send out the details).

Then bring everyone you can find to Tacoma on Monday, June 29 to make all our voices heard loud and clear.

Feel free to contact River or me (preferably me, because River’s in finals right now) with any questions, comments, suggestions, and ideas. We want this to be big and make an impact.

In solidarity,

Roberta McNair
Olympic Outlook PDA
WA CD 6 Liaison
253-572-5132

My friend, longtime labor activitist and singer Anne Feeney, is organizing a series of concerts in California, Oregon and Wa. State to promote single-payer health care.

She could use some help finding venues and a couple of overnight homestays for the Washington State concerts.

I'm curious if you fabulous progressives in-the-know have some suggestions along these lines.

Concerts in Seattle, Olympia, Port Angeles, and Bellingham are pretty well set.

Anne is looking to secure venues and homestays in Tacoma and Everett, and also possibly in Chehalis, Aberdeen and Vancouver, Wa.

I've sent an email to the Snohomish County Labor Council, but if you know anyone there I could contact personally, that would be great. Contacts at League of Women Voters groups would be helpful, too.

Below is the link to the website about the concerts, and some more info. Anne sent me yesterday about the details for the concerts and homestays.

Thanks for any suggestions you have!

I will probably perform in these concerts, with the likely exception of July 26, when I have a commitment.

Warm wishes and in Peace,

Shar

Sing Out for Single Payer Health Care Road Show:

http://annefeeney.com/specialevents.html


Haven't heard Anne, but I know Shar and trust her judgment on this.

"Sick Around the World," a video produced by Frontline (PBS), will be shown at 2 PM at the Burien Library in the Multipurpose Room on the 1st floor. This video will show the status of health care in various countries around the world.

Please forward to any interested folks on your lists. If anyone has seen this video and would like to add to the description, please do so.

SUMMER ACTIVITIES

Phone Bank at Whatcom Democrats Office

The Whatcom Democrats have reserved Tuesday and Thursday nights from 7 pm to 8:30 pm for phone banking for health care reform. UNHC will make calls urging phone calls and e-mails to our national legislators on behalf of single payer.

If you would like to volunteer, please call me at (360) 398-2295 or reply to me at supporter {at} unitedforhealthcare.org

Tabling at the Farmers Market during the Summer

United for National Healthcare will be tabling on a street corner in front of the Farmers Market in Bellingham every Saturday during the warm summer weather. Tabling gives us an opportunity to make direct contact with the public and sign up new single payer supporters.

If you would like to volunteer, please call me at (360) 398-2295 or reply to me at supporter {at} unitedforhealthcare.org


Freeway Bannering

United for National Healthcare plans to hold banners promoting single payer health care reform over at least 10 freeway overpasses in Whatcom and Skagit Counties in late July and in August.

If you would like to volunteer, please call me at (360) 398-2295 or reply to me at supporter {at} unitedforhealthcare.org

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 (this week!)
Seattle/Shoreline - 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 essential so that the viewpoint of citizen-voters is informed, focused and heard by lawmakers.

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/contactcongr ess.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 {at} washclean. org
206-784-2522

Dear Single-Payer Advocates,
The next “Western Washington Single-Payer Summit” will be held on
Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in Seattle at the
Swedish/Providence/Cherry Hill Campus in the James Tower Conference
Center (Meeting Room B).

The following link will provide a map of and directions to the
Swedish/Providence/Cherry Hill Campus:
_http://www.swedish.org/documents/CherryHill_map.pdf_.

Best regards,
Larry Kalb
President
Health Care for All - Washington

Dear Members and Friends of PNHP-Northwest:

Please mark your calendars for JULY 21, 7:00PM at Sacred Heart Medical Center for the July meeting of Physicians for a National Health Program (Northwest).

The group will meet in the Mother Joseph Room (Level L3, near the cafeteria.)

We will have a guest to speak about the Tri-County Community Health Fund, a regional program in Northeast to provide care for the growing population left un-covered.


Today: please go to this link: Http://www.1payer.net/faxapp/ and instantly send faxes to ALL of your legislators. Please take a moment to enter your own message. The season is now, to impress upon our legislators the need - and our demand - for real reform.


Last: please share the following item widely!

Insurance interests total 1/4 of Baucus' fundraising (Excerpt)
By Mike Dennison- The Montana Standard
06/14/2009

HELENA - As Sen. Max Baucus has taken the lead on health-reform legislation in the U.S. Senate, he's also become a leader in something else: Campaign money received from health- and insurance-industry interests.

In the past six years, nearly one-fourth of every dime raised by Baucus, D-Mont., and his political-action committee has come from groups and individuals associated with drug companies, insurers, hospitals, medical-supply firms, health-service companies and other health professionals.

These donations total about $3.4 million, or $1,500 a day, every day, from January 2003 through 2008.

Baucus, who chairs the Senate Finance Committee that is drafting a major health-care reform bill this month, insists this cavalcade of money is not unduly influencing his work. ...
"I'm convinced that this (money) has a profound influence," says Quentin Young, national coordinator for Physicians for a National Health Program. "Otherwise, how could Baucus, an otherwise respected and wise politician, say categorically that single-payer (national health insurance) is off the table?"

This is a new, updated list and press information (attached) for the HCAN event tomorrow. There are new contacts for Spokane (Ed Wood) and Yakima (Maggie Valtierra). Please contact me or the coordinator for your area if are interested in getting involved or have any questions!



Thanks and take care!

~Rebecca



Seattle – Meet at 10:45 am in front of the Federal Building

Coordinator: Robby Stern, PSARA, rstern {at} wslc.org, (206) 391-6998

Office Locations: Murray , 915 2nd Avenue , Seattle , Washington 98174

Cantwell: 915 Second Avenue , Suite 3206 , Seattle , WA 98174


Bellevue – Murray office only TBA

Coordinators: John Donaghy, SEIU 1199 NW, johnd@seiu1199NW.org, (425) 917-1199

Linnae Riesen, SEIU 1199NW, linnaer {at} seiu1199nw.org, (425) 917-1199

Office Location: 1611 116th Ave. NE, Ste. 214 , Bellevue , WA 98004


Tacoma –10am Murray, Cantwell right after

Coordinator: Nathe Lawver, Pierce Co. Labor, 253-973-3765, nlawver {at} pcclc.org

Office Locations: Murray, 950 Pacific Avenue, Suite 650 , Tacoma , WA 98042

Cantwell: 950 Pacific Avenue, Suite 615 , Tacoma , WA 98402


Spokane (Cantwell, Murray) TBA

Coordinators: Ed Wood, 509-869-4454, wood2947{at} msn.com

Beth Thew, Spokane Labor Council, bthew {at} spokanelabor.org, 509-939-0688

Craig Salins, WashClean 206-784-9695, craig {at} washclean.org

Office Locations: Murray : 10 North Post Street, Suite 600 Spokane , WA 99201

Cantwell: U.S. Federal Courthouse, W. 920 Riverside , Suite 697 , Spokane , WA 99201

Yakima (Murray) (meet at 10 am)

Coordinator: Maggie Valtierra, 509.438.4024, margarita {at} seiu925.org

Office Location: 402 E. Yakima Ave, Suite 390 , Yakima , Washington 98901


Vancouver (Cantwell, Murray) Meet at 10 am

Coordinators: Antoinette Angulo, Sea Mar, 206-764-470, antoinetteangulo {at} seamarchc.org

Ana Moreno – 360-566-4425

Office Location: Murray : 1323 Officer's Row, Vancouver , Washington 98661

Cantwell: 1313 Officers Row, Vancouver , WA 98661



Everett (Cantwell, Murray) – meet at 10 am

Coordinator: Antoinette Angulo, Sea Mar, 206-764-4705 antoinetteangulo {at} seamarchc.org

Tania Hernandez (360.657.3076) taniahernandez {at} seamarchc.org

Location: Murray, 2930 Wetmore Avenue, Ste. 903 , Everett , WA 98201

Cantwell: 2930 Wetmore Avenue, Suite 9B Everett , WA 98201


Richland/Tri Cities (Cantwell) – meet at 2:00 pm

Coordinators: Ray Carrillo, SEIU 1199, Cell: 509 833-7003, office: 509 573-9522 rayc {at} seiu1199nw.org

Trish Divine Wilder, Washington CAN!, 509-527-3891 (h) or

509-301-9395 (c), trishdivinewilder {at} gmail.com

Office Location: 825 Jadwin Avenue, Suite 205 , Richland , WA 99352 ,


Rebecca N. Johnson
Director of Government Affairs
Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO
314 First Avenue West
Seattle, WA 98119
Office: (206) 281-8901 Cell: (206) 214-8848
rjohnson {at} wslc.org

Shoreline public forum on health care

Tuesday, June 30th, 7PM
Shoreline Community College Theater
16161 Greenwood aVe N
Seattle, WA 98133

Social hour 6PM Light refreshments provided.

Panelists

Molly Belozer, Senior Government Affairs Analyst, Community Health Networks of Washington

Dave Freiboth, Executive Secretary, Martin Luther King County Labor Council

Aaron Katz, Senior Lecturer, UW School of Public Health

Senator Karen Keiser, 33rd Legislative District; Chair, Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee

Martha Koester; Board member, Health Care for All; member, Physicians for a National Health Plan

Craig Salins, Executive Director, Washington Public Campaigns

Other invited participants--staff members to Representative Jay Inslee, Senator Patty Murray, and Senator Maria Cantwell

Donations suggested, but no one turned away

Here's an announcement of a single payer action at the Seattle Gay Pride Parade this Sunday. Please contact Marshall at the e-mail/phone number below if you are interested in participating. Details are in his e-mail and also the following e-mail from Linda Rohan.
This is the first action of the new Western Washington coalition for Single Payer composed of nine single payer advocacy groups--the official name of which is: United for Single Payer.


United for National Healthcare

--- On Thu, 6/25/09, Marshall Goldberg mfgold {at} comcast.net wrote:

Subject: Action Alert: Join me and others in the Seattle Gay Pride Parade This Sunday! - Marshall
Date: Thursday, June 25, 2009, 12:48 PM


Dear All:

And now for something a little different…The Action Group for the new coalition in western Washington called, “United for Single Payer,” will participate in a mass demonstration at the terminus of the Gay Pride Parade in Seattle this Sunday, June 28th.


The group will meet at 4th and Denny, the Seattle Gay Pride Parade Grounds, at 10:45 AM where they will greet marchers. Some of the group members will also walk through the sidewalk crowds with signs and leaflets.

Signs and literature will be provided. Participants are requested to wear white T-shirts, lab coats or scrubs.

Please contact me ASAP if you are interested in attending…I would like to carpool if at all possible.


Thanks for your consideration.

Marshall
(360) 675-5888

The new United for Single Payer coalition has hit the ground running. At last night’s second meeting, $4,000 was raised. The first action will be a single payer presence at the Gay Pride Parade in Seattle on Sunday (details below). It looks to be a fun event with an opportunity to spread the word. The Backbone inflatable Doctor will again make her presence known.

Best Wishes

David McLanahan
Coordinator, PNHPWW

UNITED FOR SINGLE PAYER ACTION

WHERE: Seattle Gay Pride Parade Grounds

DATE: Sunday, June 28th

MEETING TIME/ PLACE: 11 am at 4th and Denny

WEAR: White T shirt; lab coat; scrubs

BRING: Backing for two sided sign if you have a preference. Approx 11 x 22
example = PRIDE IN SINGLE PAYER

GOALS:
1) Please bring three 'talking' points so you are well prepared to dialogue with folks about single payer
I know this crowd will be sympathetic to our cause but they will still benefit from education.
2) IWe will have a table with a sign up so attendees can get on board for future single payer events
3) Getting attendees to contact their congressional representatives

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

Hi everyone,

Much has happened on our efforts for health care, and we've got a lot ahead of us!

Don't forget the next meeting is this coming
Monday, June 29th, 1pm
Washington State Labor Council, 314 1st W

Need to call in?
1-888-909-7654
code: 344542

See you there!

Agenda as follows:
1.) Last week’s report backs
a. DC
b. Echo events

2.) Cantwell – Where is she now
a. Context - campaign and policy updates
b. What’s next - Discussion

3.) Preparing for this week
a. In-district events
b. July 2nd event

4.) Next meeting

Lynne Nguyen
Organizer, Washington CAN!
www.washingtoncan.org
office: 206-389-0050 x232
cell: 310-622-5456

Independence day themed July 2nd health care action SEIU is organizing – we’d love to have many others join us.

We’re asking people to dress in red, white and blue; bring your healthcare stories or mementos, and sign on to the Declaration of Independence from Insurance Companies!

Thursday, July 2 - Noon - Federal Building: 915 2nd Avenue, Seattle

Questions? Or want flyers? Contact Rachel Berkson rberkson {at} seiu.org

Take action and tell our elected leaders:

Now is the time for affordable, quality healthcare! We need a public option health plan.

Bring your healthcare stories or mementos, and sign on to the Declaration of Independence from Insurance Companies!

Sing Out for Single Payer Road Show
With Sharon Abreu, Michael Hurwicz, Anne Feeney, Bluegrass Dave Wilmoth, Jason Luckett & more!


Peninsula Community College Student Center
1502 East Lauridsen Blvd.
Port Angeles, WA 98362
360-683-8407
Price: donations
Carlyn syvanenx {at} teleport.com is the contact - This event is organized by Reform Health Care Now! and the Green Party of Clallam County

For more information on the tour please visit:

http://annefeeney.com/specialevents.html

HR 676

SB 703


California Nurses Association * Jobs with Justice * Labor Campaign for Single-Payer Health Care * Labor Task Force for Universal Health Care * Physicians for a National Health Care Program * Solidarity Education Fund * Unions for Single Payer HR 676 * Universal Health Care for Oregon



We believe that single payer health insurance is the only real solution to 50 million uninsured and countless millions of underinsured people in this country. We're working closely with health care professionals and activists in all three states. This tour is sponsored and endorsed by all the groups mentioned above, along with generous contributions from many doctors, nurses and concerned individuals, including Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary. We hope you'll catch one of these shows and PLEASE - tell your friends. Call your Representative in Congress today and thank him or her for sponsoring HR 676. If s/he is not one of the 80 co-sponsors, ask him/her to sponsor HR 676. Call your Senators and ask them to sponsor SB 703. Thank you! National Health Care NOW!!



--
Sharon Abreu
POB 969, Eastsound, WA 98245
(360) 376-5773 (h/o) / (917) 626-5781 (cell)
www.sharmuse.com -peace songs plus
www.YouTube. com/sharmuse - peace & env'l music videos
Speaker-Performer, EcoSpeakers: http://www.ecospeakers.com/speakers/abreus.html
Member, Local 1000 North American Traveling Musicians Union, AFM, AFL-CIO
Member, Network of Spiritual Progressives - www.spiritualprogre ssives.org
Member, Working Group for Sustainable Change - www.change.org/ideas & http://apps.facebook.com/causes/190111?m=5297a8c3

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — July 1, 2009

Keiser set to host online town hall to discuss health care reform

OLYMPIA —Sen. Karen Keiser, D-Kent, will host an important online town hall to discuss the impact federal health care reform efforts could have on the state. Topics will include:

· Whether a public option to compete with private health plans should be offered

· How the state could achieve significant cost savings

· How current and past state reform efforts would be impacted by federal legislation

The online town hall comes on the heels of a trip Keiser made to the nation’s capital where she met with key Congressional leaders and White House officials on the issue and urged them to include the choice of a public plan, affordability protections, and shared responsibility for health care costs in the federal legislation.

WHAT: Online town hall hosted by Sen. Karen Keiser. Go to: http://senatedemocrats.wa.gov/senators/keiser/townhall/

WHEN: Monday, July 6, 11:00 am

###

For more information, contact Sen. Keiser’s office at (206) 878-2748.

Forks Parade

We will meet in the parking lot of the Port Angeles Library located on Lauridsen and Peabody between 8:45 AM and 9:15 AM to carpool to Forks. We will leave the parking lot at 9:15 AM and arrive in the parking lot of the Forks Outfitters, which is on the south end of Forks on Highway 101 at about 11 AM . We will hand out signs and pamphlets to each marcher between 11:30 AM and 11:45 AM and begin the parade march around 12:00 noon. After we return to the parking lot and put the signs in the pickup truck we will head back to Port Angeles, which should be no later than 1:00 PM.

Port Angeles Parade

We will meet in the Clallam County Courthouse parking lot, which is the staging area for the parade, at the Corner of Peabody and 4th Strett. Non-parade vehicles are to park in the Vern Burton Gym parking lot on the south side in front of City Hall (321 E. 5th St.). We should begin to arrive at the staging area between 5:00 PM and 5:30 PM to pick up signs and pamphlets and then begin to form our marching group. The parade is to begin at 6:00 PM and proceed West on 4th to Lincoln then North to 1st Street, then West on 1st Street to Valley Street . We will try to have a pickup truck near Valley and 1st. where we can deposit the signs for further use.

Your cooperation will be much appreciated

Please RSVP Bill Kildall at drbilly@msn.com or call 360-452-6387 and let us know which event or events you plan to be participating in and which group of the coalition you belong to or if you are an independent. This will help give us an idea how many will be involved in the car pool and the number of marchers we will have at each event.

Thanks, and don't forget to bring your camera!
Other Matters
The planning group for "Reform Health Care Now!" is scheduled to meet at 533 E. Vashon St. in Port Angeles on Wednesday, July 8th, at 10:00 AM to review the results of the level of participation in the 4th parades, (what worked and where we need to improve) in order to be more successful in generating community support for universal public health care for all activities in the next critical two months. We will also discuss plans for the Clallam Bay Parade, the Joyce Parade, the Anne Feeney Concert at Peninsula College on the 24th of July and the Clallam County Fair at the end of August.
Please forward this message to anyone you think might be interested in joining "Reform Health Care Now!

Hello and Happy Independence Day weekend to you!


1) If you're celebrating at home this weekend, please watch for a red banner in the Normandy Park and Burien 4th of July parades. Our 8-foot-long red banner with white letters and three lines of print will read:
"HEALTH CARE FOR ALL. DEMAND A PUBLIC OPTION."


Parade organizers have been told that 8 - 10 people will be marching or bicycling in our contingent. If you wish to participate, please let me know. The Normandy Park parade organizes around 10:15 a.m. at Mar Vista School, and the Burien one at 1:30 p.m. around 150th & Ambaum.


Carl and I will carry the banner alone. If you'd like to participate, we'd sure appreciate some company!




2) Thank you for writing to the newspapers Letters to the Editor about why you support a public option.




3) Thanks for sending the Health Care Stories. Keep 'em coming.




4) Thank you for calling Senator Cantwell and Senator Murray's office.




Bonnieclare Erling
206-878-2086 -home

Yakima Health Care Reform Forum

Wednesday, July 15th, 6:30 PM, doors open at 6 pm.
This forum is organized by Yakima County Dems. It features Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler & a panel of experts.

================================

Burlington Health Care Reform Forum
League of Women Voters of Skagit County Cordially Invites the Public to Attend a Discussion on:
Healthcare Reform, Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2009, Time: 6:00– 8:00 PM
Location: Burlington Public Library, Burlington Rotary Community Meeting Room
820 E. Washington Ave.
Burlington, WA 98233

Organizations Represented Will Be:
�� Healthcare for All – Washington
�� Healthy Washington Coalition
�� Island County Activists for Single Payer
�� National Alliance on Mental Illness
�� Office of US Senator Maria Cantwell

�� Rice Insurance, LLC

�� Skagit County Health Department

�� Washington Health Foundation

This informational evening is being co-sponsored by the Skagit Valley Publishing Company and the American Association of University Women—Mt. Vernon and Anacortes Branches


Who wants to trip up to Burlington and Yakama. If we can get 3 volunteers and me, we could car pool there on Wednesday morning and return late that night. I am not going to try this unless we have 3 added volunteers. Yakama is a part of this State and we must be prepared for road trips if we believe in Single Payer. A roead trip can be a great time for discussion and Planning.


I will take the first three emails I get by Wednesday morning.


Jack
sonofsinglepayer {at} gmail.com

Yakima Health Care Forum
Wednesday, July 15th
6:30pm
Parker Room of the Deccio Higher Education Center, YVCC, 1000 S. 12th Avenue, Yakima.

This forum is organized by Yakima County Dems. It features Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler & a panel of experts.
http://www.yakimademocrats.com/news.php


Divided We Fail - Health Care Opinion Leader Forum
Wednesday, July 15th
5:30pm-7:30pm
Red Lion Hotel at the Park (303 W. North River Drive, Spokane)
Sponsored by AARP, SEIU, NFIB. The event is free, but pre-registration is required. Call toll-free to reserve your seat at 1-877-926-8300


Burlington Health Care Reform Forum
Sponsored by League of Women Voters of Skagit County
Wednesday, July 15, 2009, Time: 6:00– 8:00 PM
Burlington Public Library, Burlington Rotary Community Meeting Room
820 E. Washington Ave.
Burlington, WA 98233


Small Business Public Option Petition Delivery to Senator Cantwell
Tuesday, July 21st
Federal Building
Organized by WA Small Business for Secure Health Care Coalition. 206-805-6674 or info {at} smallbusiness4health.org


State Senate/House Health Care Committees Joint Work Session on Federal Health Care Reform
Thursday, July 23rd
10:00am-Noon
Olympia
Contact: Elder.John{at} leg.wa.gov



Howard Dean: ‘Prescription for Real Healthcare Reform’
Friday, July 24th
7:00pm-8:30pm
Townhall Seattle
1119 Eighth Avenue (at Seneca Street)
http://townhallseattle.org/calendar.cfm?trumbaEmbed=eventid%3D84454251%26view%3Devent%26-childview%3D



Congressman Adam Smith Health Care Town Hall Meeting
Saturday, July 25th
10:00am-11:30am
Milgard Family HOPE Center
10402 Kline Street SW
Lakewood, WA 98499
RSVP by calling 253-593-6600 or email to: Debra.Entenman {at} mail.house.gov


Health Care for America Now Action
Tuesday, July 28th
10:00am
Federal Building, (915 2nd Avenue, Seattle, Washington)
Details TBA
Contact: lynne {at} washingtoncan.org

--
Joshua Welter
Lead Organizer
Civic Engagement & Health Care
Washington CAN!
220 South River St #11 * Seattle, WA 98108
206-389-0050 x230 main
206-805-6674 direct
206-383-1857 cell
joshua {at} washingtoncan.org
www.washingtoncan.org

Our July meeting takes place on Wednesday, July 15th 7-8:30PM, at Swedish/Cherry Hill Campus Conference Center Auditorium ( directions - http://www.pnhpwesternwashington.org/PAGES/swed_prov_directions.htm). For this meeting, we will briefly discuss the latest strategy and action requests from the national organization regarding health care reform legislation being considered in Washington DC. We will try new technology to allow live audio/video internet access for those far away – but we only have 15 internet slots available (see below).

For our main event, Don McCanne, PNHP Senior Health Policy Fellow and past PNHP President, will be joining us to discuss the relationship between progressive single payer advocates supporting “pure” single payer and those who believe we must focus our energy on a “realistic” struggle for a Medicare-like public option. As we all know, there is some recurring friction between single payer advocates focusing on each reform strategy.

To help stay focused, we will ask Don for his thoughts on the following questions we frequently confront in our SP advocacy:


Some of our friends are firmly of the opinion that advocates who want to see a national health program -- covering everyone, with full choice of health care provider, financed like Social Security with providers paid under a single payer system -- are missing the boat to sit out the public option debate. Despite growing support for single payer, it's clear that no single payer bill will be adopted this year, and that the main battle against the power of the private insurance industry and their allies is now over the public option. Many who think single payer is the best answer, including most of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, are choosing to reaffirm the SP position AND to say that they will not support any reform bill that does not have a strong (Medicare-like) public option. Why should we feel the need to choose between advocating single payer and fighting for inclusion of single payer principles in the reform bills that are emerging? Are not both of these necessary aspects of today's fight, even if some groups focus on one and some on the other?



In this situation, how can we best build unity in the movement for health care for all? There are worrisome signs of infighting (as opposed to strategic disagreements) between some single payer groups and some focusing on the public option. Potential example - SP advocates show up prominently at events organized by PO supporters such as MoveOn and HCAN or vice versa? Does it matter, or will the prospects for real healthcare reform be diminished if we don't work to overcome these antagonisms?



Do you think the strategy of advocating only for single payer will “pull the public option to the left?” Is this strategy likely to be more effective than advocating for a “robust” public option like Medicare in ultimately getting us to single payer?



What is the best use of resources for single payer advocates? How can we put more pressure on Obama and Congress? Should we seek meetings with representatives, send them letters & faxes,, etc? Or, should we focus on recruiting our colleagues and the grassroots to advocacy - give presentations, buy signs and bumper stickers, pass out literature in public places, etc., - and with an informed and aroused public, hope that Congress will eventually come to see the light, and enact a version of HR 676/HR 1200/S 703



Is campaign finance reform necessary for meaningful health care reform?





This promises to be a lively discussion.

Please plan to attend

David McLanahan
Coordinator, PNHPWW
Attached - Message from James Floyd, PNHPWW & Public Citizen, on contacting your reps to support health care legislation amendments


Agenda

7PM – Introductions – Les Pittle, Vice Chair PNHPWW
- Coordinator’s Report – David McLanahan
Email list, Treasury, Web Site
- Recent Activities
Lots of forums
United for Single Payer – New Washington State Single Payer coalition
- Future Activities

- A Discussion of current advocate strategy issues with Don McCanne

8:30PM - Adjournment



Here is how to join the meeting: (Meeting ID: 265-180-882)

Go to - https://www2.gotomeeting.com/join/265180882

Accept the certificate

You will be connected to audio using your computer's microphone and speakers (VoIP). A headset is recommended. You should see the video from the conference meeting room and hear the audio.

You will see a control panel that will allow you to mute your microphone if it isn’t already muted. If you would like to speak - express your opinion or ask a question - send a “chat” message to the organizer & you will have your desktop, microphone and video, if any, turned on.

LounetteTempleton <lounettet {at} wavecable.com> wrote:

Health Care Reform: High Noon on Capitol Hill
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 ■ 6 P.M.

Linkletter Hall, Olympic Medical Center

939 Caroline Street, Port Angeles

The evening will begin with a fantastic 40-minute film, “HEALTH, MONEY AND FEAR,” the most concise explanation of health care costs that we have come across. This will set the stage for the presentation to follow.

Featured speaker will be Dr. Tom Locke, M.D. M.Ph., public health officer of Clallam and Jefferson counties. He will speak on health care costs and the current national legislation for health care reform.

Updates on bills in the Senate and House will be given by Kristiné Reeves, Director Kitsap Olympic Peninsula, U.S. Senator Patty Murray; Sally Hintz, Northwest Washington Director, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell; and Clark Mather, District Director, Congressman Norm Dicks.

Come prepared with questions for the speakers.

The Event is sponsored by the League of Women Voters, Clallam County

West Seattle/Vashon
meeting: <7th CD>
Sunday, July 26th @ Southwest Seattle Library,
2-4 pm

Sno/King Co.
meeting: <1st CD>
Sunday, Aug 2nd @ Shoreline Library,
2-4 pm

South King County meeting: <9th CD>
Sunday, Aug 2nd @
Kent Regional Library,

2-4 pm


East King County
meeting: <8th CD>
Saturday, Aug 8th @
Lake Hills Library,
2-4 pm

North Seattle
meeting: <7th CD>
Sunday, Aug 9th @ Green Lake Library,
2-4 pm


Contact:
Roger Fulton - 34th LD-Vashon
roger{at} personaltechaid.com
TBA - 34th LD-West Sea


Contacts:
Marti Schmidt - 1st LD
martischmidt {at} comcast.net

Lance Regan - 21st LD
lancekregan {at} gmail.com

Julie Huffman - 32nd LD
juliehu {at} verizon.net


Contact:
Ruth Knagenhjelm
ruth {at} knagenhjelm.no

Contact:
Sherry Weinberg - 41st LD
weinbergsk {at} msn.com

Sheila Hoff - 45th LD
srhoff123 {at} yahoo.com

Contacts:

Mary Lang-Furr - 36th LD
langfurr {at} u.washington.edu

Kathleen Randall - 43rd LD
kathleenr {at} @gmail.com

Sheila Kohls - 46th LD
sheiladkohls{at} msn.com

ACTION: We Can't Afford to Wait - the human cost of delaying health care reform

DATE: Tuesday, July 28th

TIME: 11:45 pm (PLEASE NOTE THE TIME CHANGE FROM THE ORIGINALLY DISCUSSED TIME)**

WHERE: Seattle Federal Building (915 2nd Ave - 2nd & Marion)

A strong health care bill is in the House! But, surprise surprise, forces are trying to delay and defeat the key points we are on our way to winning.

Before Congress takes a break and comes back to the state in August, we want to make sure they know that this issue is urgent: get health care reform done and get it done well.

Join us July 28th at 11:45pm and help us remind our Congress members of the human cost of waiting on health care reform while partaking in an engaging demonstration!

**We changed the time because we have a passers-by engagement piece, and we want to catch the lunch crowd.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

TURNOUT
Edit this email to outreach to your own members.
Let Lori Province know how many people can come from your organization (lprovince@wslc.org)

PROPS
We need milk crates or such similar items on which people can stand to hold up a banner.

Let me know if you have any questions!

--
Lynne Nguyen
Organizer, Washington CAN!
www.washingtoncan.org
office: 206-389-0050 x232
cell: 310-622-5456

HEALTH CARE “TAKE ACTION” MEETING





Learn ways to effectively urge our federal lawmakers to enact the kind of REAL health care reform we want and need in the U.S.!



During Congress’s upcoming August Recess, opponents to health care reform will continue with renewed vigor to spread myths and fears about government involvement in health care. Whatever legislation comes out of Congress will definitely shape how health care is financed and delivered in the U.S. for years to come!



For a very limited time, we citizen-voters (constituents) can have some influence on what kind of health care system is created by the lawmakers WE have elected.



Join us at our joint WHSC/PDA/OFA/ DFA/HCCTC/ MoveOn/etc. dinner meeting at:



Location: i.talia Pizzeria in West Olympia (between Borders Books and Best Buy in the Westfield Capital Mall)



Date/Time: Wednesday, August 5th from 6:45 to 9:00 P.M.



Guest speakers include Donald Mitchell, M.D., Chair of the Western Washington chapter of Physicians for a National Health Program and others.



JOIN US! Together, we can make a difference!



Contact: Linda Sternhill Davis by email at legislative@ wahealthsecurity .org or by phone at (877) 502-1873 ext. 705 (toll-free)

We now have a truck to haul banners on August 13, so we are going ahead with freeway bannering for that day. Here are the details:

1) 4 pm: Come to the Union Center at 1700 N. State St., Bellingham WA to pick up your banner and get your overpass assignment. A station wagon or automobile with fold down back seat is sufficiently large to haul a banner. A pickup is even better.

2) 4:30pm-6 pm Hold banners over assigned freeway overpass.

3) 6:15-6:45 pm Return to Union Center and turn in your banner.

4) After 6 pm: Join the potluck upstairs at the Union Center. If you are unable to hold a banner, perhaps you would like to bring a dish and help out with the potluck.

For the purposes of planning, it's best if you e-mail me or call me at (360) 398-2295. I look forward to seeing you on August 13!

Aileen Satushek

United for National Healthcare
You can e-mail me at: supporter {at} unitedforhealthcare.org.
You can call me at (360) 398-2295.

The 34th Legislative District Democrats Present:
An Update on Health Care Reform and How YOU Can Fight for Real Reform NOW!!!

Featuring our own:
Congressman Jim McDermott,M.D., 7th Congressional District

With: Lisa Plymate, M.D., 34th LD King County Committeewoman and
Washington State Director of Doctors for America; Board member, PNHP

Craig Salins, Executive Director, Washington Public Campaigns

Dustin Lambro, Washington State Director, Organizing for America

Date: Wednesday, August 12th (our monthly meeting)
Time: 7PM
Place: The Hall at Fauntleroy, 9131 California Ave. SW, Seattle
98136-2551

All are welcome. Social time before at 6:30PM. Tim Nuse, 34th
Chair

Mad as Hell doctors.com

This Fall. the rubber gloves meet the road.

Who: Dr. Paul Hochfeld; founder "Mad as Hell" Doctors
What: Town Hall Meet, "We Need Healthcare reform NOW!"
When: 6 pm, Aug. 25
Where: Sequim High School Auditorium, 601 N. Sequim Ave.

Dr. Hochfeld, an emergency room physician and a founder of "Mad as Hell Doctors" will speak on why Congress must enact quality, universal health care reform, "Everybody in, nobody out."

The Oregon-based physicians group will show their documentary, "Health, Money, and Fear," a brilliant expose, and respond to written questions from the audience. "Mad as Hell Doctors" advocate single-payer health care as proposed in HR-676, "Medicare for All" endorsed by 89 members of the House including Rep. Norm Dicks (D-WA).

The event is sponsored by Reform Health Care NOW, a local Clallam County coalition.

People are invited to send in questions or personal stories, (250 words max) of denial of coverage from unemployment, "pre-existing conditions," or other pretexts, to Yourstory4docs@yahoo.com.

For information call: Bill, 452-6387 or Carlyn, 683-8407

the event in Sequim was beyond all expectations. I can give a synopsis tonight if you want. Probably 600 people and not one heckler. Explosive personal stories, moving testimony by "the doctors," a rousing spontaneous powerful atmosphere. Not all MAHD events can be this good, but let's do our best to keep the momentum sparking in Seattle. Their advance PR must have been incredible.

Here's the only "publicity" I could find in the Sequim Gazette:


Documentary describes health care system

A DVD called "Health, Money and Fear" will be shown from 2-4 p.m. today, Wednesday, Aug. 12, and again from 2-4 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18, at the Sequim Library, 630 N. Sequim Ave., Sequim.

Dr. Paul Hochfield, an emergency room doctor, produced the documentary that describes why the health care system is ailing.

Each showing will be followed with discussions of single payer and public options as possible health care reforms.

'Mad as Hell' doctors tout single-payer system at Sequim rally

By Rob Ollikainen
Peninsula Daily News


SEQUIM -- Nearly 700 people packed the Sequim High School auditorium on Tuesday to rally for universal health care.

A group of Oregon doctors who call themselves "Mad as Hell Doctors" led a discussion that promoted the single-payer option for reform. The crowd largely agreed with the 10 panelists who led the 21âÑ2-hour event.

Questions to the panel were pre-screened, but the public was allowed to comment openly at the end of the evening rally. Most of the speakers were in favor of a universal plan. None supported the status quo.

The rally was sponsored by Reform Health Care Now, a coalition of North Olympic Peninsula citizens and activists.

The donation funded "Mad as Hell Doctors" group used the Sequim rally as a springboard for a 20-city tour to Washington, D.C., which begins in Seattle on Sept. 8.

"This is one heck of a crowd to do your first rehearsal for," said Adam Klugman, master of ceremonies.

Klugman opened the event by musing on the difference between anger and rage in a call for civility.

"Anger is a healthy, productive feeling, but rage is very destructive," he said.

The crowd never booed or spoke over the speakers.

Musician Bob Wickline and Klugman whipped the crowd into a "We're mad as hell and we're not going to take it anymore" chant before the panelists gave one-minute responses to the question: Why are you mad as hell?

Why are you mad?

"People can't afford to get reasonable insurance," said Dr. Penny Burdick of Sequim, who volunteered to join the panel after someone pointed out that there were no women on it.

"Many insurance companies don't cover preventative medicine . . . I can't stand seven-minute office visits where I can't help anybody."

Panelist Joseph Eusterman, a retired internal medicine physician from Portland, said he was angry at the fear mongering over the single-payer, or universal, option.

"We don't need any more fear in this country -- it's been going on long enough," Eusterman said. "I'm mad as hell about all the fear mongering."

Dr. Robert Seward, an internal medicine physician from Portland, said people are going bankrupt trying to pay their medical bills, which doesn't happen in other developed nations.

"I think that is intolerable and an outrage," Seward said. "Millions of Americans aren't getting basic health care."

Dr. Paul Hochfeld, emergency room physician in Corvallis, Ore., showed a 15-minute clip of his film "Health, Money and Fear."

He asked everyone in the audience to raise their hand if they think the current system is broken.

Nearly every hand went up.

"That was a trick question," Hochfeld said. "We don't have a health care system."

Congress manipulated

He said Congress is being manipulated by the insurance and drug companies to the detriment of the public.

Dr. Tom Locke, health care officer for Clallam and Jefferson county, argued for the public option in a staged debate with Hochfeld.

Locke said proponents of a public option see it as a first step to a single-payer option. He said a public option in 2009 may be the best that political realists can hope for.

"The partisan rancor in Washington, D.C., is at an absolute all-time high," Locke said.

U.S. Rep Norm Dicks, D-Belfair, will hold a town hall meeting on health care reform in the Fort Worden State Park Commons in Port Townsend on Monday from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

________

Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.

http://www.washblog.com/story/2009/8/26/211320/643

When 600 people stood up during the dialogue from the movie "The Network", our jaws dropped.
Exceeding all expectations and giving us a great base to improve our format, Sequim really showed up in support.

There were no boos. There were no "teabaggers" or "brown shirts."

Well actually there were, but it quickly became evident to them that they were welcome and could participate in creating a solution that isn't a bailout of the insurance industry like Obamacare.

About a dozen left halfway through. I guess we took the fun out of disagreeing, when you have doctors and facts on your side

Check back on the website for video of the event in the coming days.

This is really happening.

And it is going to be phenomenal.

Over 20 stops in about just as many days. And if the rest of America is anything like Sequim, WA, we will surely create waves for Single Payer.

So take a moment to find Sequim on a map of Washington. And in a little over a month when we pull into DC with a trail of cars and supporters, you'll know where it all began. In the most unlikely place with a great communi

Thursday, Sept. 3 – Rally to “Stand Up for Health Insurance Reform”, Westlake Park , downtown Seattle , 6 p.m.

The MoveOn Healthcare Vigil and Rally will be taking place prior to Congressman Brian Baird’s town hall meeting in Olympia on Monday, August 31st . It starts at 5:00pm at Sylvester Park before the 7:00pm town hall meeting at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts.

Please join us and also get this message out to fellow health care reform supporters. We’d like to have a very large turnout to show that we want quality, affordable health care for everyone!

Together, we can make a difference!

Sincerest regards,
Linda Sternhill Davis


Health Care Coalition of Thurston County (HCCTC)
Email: HealthCareCoalition-TC-owner (at) yahoogroups.com
eGroup: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HealthCareCoalition-TC/


Washington Health Security Coalition (WHSC)
P. O. Box 19631 - Queen Anne Station
Seattle, WA 98109
Phone: (877) 502-1873 (toll-free) ext. 705
Email: legislative (at) wahealthsecurity.org

Website: http://www.wahealthsecurity.org

Start off with the Car-a-Van from Tacoma to Seattle at 3PM.

Stay for the Town Hall meeting from 5-8 PM
Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center
104 -17th Ave S, Seattle

Sponsored by

United for Single Payer
PNHP-Western Washington
Health Care for All--WA
HeathCareNow
Single Payer Action
Jobs wwith Justice
Progressive Democrats of America


http://www.madashelldoctors.com/
http://www.unitedforsinglepayer.org/
info {at} unitedforsinglepayer

Mad as Hell Doctors Care-a-van to Washington , DC

The “Mad as Hell Doctors” are so intent on real health care reform that they are organizing a care-a-van to Washington DC . Sounds outrageous and wonderful, doesn’t it? This group of physicians will stop in cities along the way to educate and advocate for a single payer health system in the United States . They held a pilot rally in Sequim , WA , on August 25th and approximately 700 people attended. Check out their website at www.madashelldoctors.com.
On September 8th the “Mad as Hell Doctors” care-a-van will be in Seattle . From there the caravan will travel to Spokane . Check out the map on the website. http://www.madashelldoctors.com/

On Sept 8th, on its way to Seattle , the care-a-van will stop in Federal Way at 2:30 pm at St Francis Hospital to enable other supporters to gather and join in. St Francis Hospital is located at 34515 9th Ave S, Federal Way , WA . Use Exit 142 to go west on 348th St to 9th Ave S. Turn right on 9th Ave S to St Francis Hospital. The event in Seattle will be held at the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center Community Room, 104 17th Ave S , at 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Download signs from the website or bring your own signs. Put signs inside or outside of you car as you care-a-van to Seattle .

One of the organizers of this caravan, Dr Paul Hochfeld, produced a film called “Health, Money and Fear.” This film includes information on our current health care system, the history behind that system, and the sources of the high costs imbedded in that system. In addition, the doctors in the film discuss our expectations of health care, the rationing of health care, and how we can do better in making health a priority in the United States . This film will be shown at the Tacoma Film Festival, October 1-8, at the Grand Theater. DVD’s will be available at the Seattle event or you can order them from Paul Hochfeld at phochfeld {at} msn.com.

Contact me if you have questions.

Susan Eidenschink
susaneiden {at} harbornet.com

http://www.opednews.com/articles/Mad-as-Hell-Doctors-Tour-s-by-Don-Smith-090909-742.html

This afternoon they made a stop in Seattle, where the event began with street theater. I saw Count Bleed ya Dry representing the insurance, drug and hospital industries and Uncle Sam on a stretcher. Huge syringes extracted cash from the patient and fed it to Count Bleed ya Dry. Here's an excerpt of the skit (my camera and my photography skills are not the best):

Next the event moved inside, and there were a panel discussion by six physicians, discussion, musical performances, and high energy. There was also a chance for questions and answers, plus "Mad as Hell Minutes", where audience members got a minute to say why they're mad as hell.

I'd estimate that over 200 people were in attendance in the Langston Hughes Performance Hall, which is in a lower-middle class neighborhood of Seattle. I notice that the audience was mostly white. The hall was full.

As always, I worried that the event would be "preaching to the choir" (speaking inside the progressive echo chamber). A reporter and photographer from the Seattle Times were there. But even if the Seattle Times gives coverage, they won't have the time or space to go into detail about what's broken and how to fix it. And there were no TV stations covering it. We need our own media!

The Backbone Campaign has committed to sending the Count with two activists across the country in support of the Mad as Hell Doctors – linking up with local hosts in many of the 26 stops, a day or two before the the MAHD Caravan arrives, to provide media pre-publicity for the Doc’s events. You can make a tax deductible contribution to Backbone to help finance the trip at - https://secure.groundspring.org/dn/index.php?aid=19548




http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/sep/10/physicians-make-their-case-for-single-payer/

A group of physicians calling themselves “Mad As Hell Doctors” vowed Wednesday in Spokane to keep pushing Congress toward a government-run plan.

Two crowds gathered Wednesday, the first outside the U.S. Courthouse and the second at the Gonzaga University School of Law, drawing about 200 people each.

The campaign is a national push by family medicine doctors to create a national health care system that arranges the payment of services to doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers from a single source established and managed by government. Such a system would essentially replace private insurance companies with a single public entity.

In his speech to Congress on Wednesday, President Barack Obama mentioned single-payer only in passing. And critics have assailed such plans as socialized medicine.

Yet many who voted Obama into the White House are angry.

Dr. Katherine Ottaway, a family doctor in Port Townsend, Wash., told the crowds that insurance denials are hurting her patients and that hospital administrators have turned medical centers into profit treadmills that require doctors to meet patient quotas.

“This has to stop,” she said in support of a single-payer system controlled by an agency governed by public health officials.

This Wednesday, August 26, Rep. McDermott will answer questions about health care reform and offer his perspective during a live Q/A online at the Seattle Times (www.seattletimes. com) from Noon – 1:00 p.m. Pacific time. Readers will ask questions in real time and the congressman will answer as many as possible during the hour.

On Monday, August 31, Rep. McDermott will host a telephone town hall from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Pacific. Tens of thousands of 7th District constituents will be called over the weekend with a taped message recorded by Jim to alert them to the event. Then, on Monday, just prior to 7:00 p.m. start time, tens of thousands of constituents will be called inviting them to stay on the line to hear Jim talk about the issue and his perspective live. During the call, people will be able to ask questions.

The advantage of a telephone town hall is that the format better fits a busy lifestyle that otherwise would prevent someone from attending a meeting in person, away from their home. Research suggests many more people want to be involved and this is one way of facilitating participation. However, Rep. McDermott always has conducted in-person town hall meetings and this time is no different.

On Tuesday, September 1, Rep. McDermott will host a town hall meeting from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Pacific at the University of Washington, Meany Hall. Doors will open at 6:15 p.m. and seating will be on a first come basis. Meany Hall can accommodate 1,200 people, with additional capacity just outside the auditorium, if necessary. The site was selected because of its large capacity, readily available parking and mass transit options. According to the University, placards, posters, signs, food and beverages are not allowed in Meany Hall.

Wednesday September 9:
Rally and Press Conference- 3:30 pm, Foley Federal Building, Riverside and Monroe
Town Hall- 7 to 8:30 pm, Gonzaga Law School- Barbieri Courtroom


I was asked to redo, adding "Senator" before Max Baucus. I replied that I'll show him that respect when he starts working for the people he supposedly represents and not the insurance companies.


Stevens County Democrats NE Washington Fair (in Colville) Display entry, "Health Care For ALL!: Not an option, economic and social necessity," won a 2nd place ribbon, despite insisting on a public option and heavily promoting single-payer.

--Walter Kloekhorn

ACHIEVING HEALTH CARE FOR ALL!

A timely and thought-provoking discussion of issues and visions in providing quality, affordable health care for all.

Public Forum:
Including panel presentations, discussions, audience question and answer

Objectives: Educate, Advocate, Take Action

Thursday, September 10, 2009 -- 7 P.M.

Puyallup Public Library
324 South Meridian, Puyallup WA 98371

Pre-event Reception, 6:30 PM


Panelists:

• State Representative Dawn Morrell, 25th Legislative District
• Patty Rose, Executive Secretary, Pierce County Labor Council
• Craig Salins, Executive Director, Washington Public Campaigns
• Martha Koester, Board member of "Health Care for All - Washington" and a member of "Physicians for a National Health Plan


Come early!
Panelists will be happy to speak with you during the reception.







Organized by the 25th Legislative Democrats
For The Latest Information & Copies of Our Newsletter Visit Our Website at www.25dems.org

Due to a scheduling problem, we’ve changed the date of the Health Care Reform March to Sept 12 & changed the start time to noon. Please read below for details.


United for National Healthcare is partnering with other community health care reform groups to join in the Bellingham Health Care Reform March at noon on September 12 at Maritime Heritage Park.


The Whatcom Democrats, United for National Healthcare, MoveOn, Organizing for America, Jobs with Justice and other local groups are participating in the march. Whether you support single payer, public option or generally sweeping reform of the current health care and insurance mess, we encourage you to participate. We either live and support each other or die alone.

The March for Health Care Reform will begin at Maritime Heritage Park (C Street & Holly) with a rally. We will have a total of three or four speakers from local government and local health care reform organizations. We will walk via sidewalks in the downtown area. We encourage those who may not be able to walk the entire distance to join or leave the march at personally comfortable intervals. United for National Healthcare will bring our own signs and banners for you to carry which support national single payer healthcare. UNHC President Chris Lindberg will be a featured speaker at the rally. If you wish, you may bring your own signs.


To sign up for the march or to volunteer to help organize it, please contact Aileen Satushek (360) 398-2295 or e-mail me at the address below.


Aileen Satushek
Board Member
United for National Healthcare
You can e-mail me at: supporter {at} unitedforhealthcare.org.

Hello All Health Care for All supporters in South King County.

HEALTH CARE OPTIONS

Informational meeting
Burien library 9-20-09 from 2-4pm.
Video presentations, commentary and Q & A's.

Now is the time to get informed and act !

Sponsored by Health care for All Wa, South King County Action Team

All I know is that I can't afford NOT to have health insurance because what if??? I could have saved $2000 a year by not having to pay through my employer, and that $2000 over the last 10 years would have paid for everything my kids and I have had to do with a LOT of change left over. Including dental care.

But what if something major had happened that required a stay in the hospital even for a couple of days?

And now my daughter is 24, still in school, working part time, and stressing constantly about needing health insurance through her job because mine doesn't cover her any more, but taking a huge chunk of her part time paycheck. And yet, can't afford not to do it.

I'd like to see something change, and preferably something that would create a more competitive insurance industry in washington state. Blue Cross has a choke hold.

PLEASE ATTEND OUR MEMBERSHIP MEETING ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2009, 7 PM, LABORERS HALL, DOWNSTAIRS AT 1700 N. STATE, BELLINGHAM

At this meeting we will take nominations for Board Members and decide the future direction of United for National Healthcare. It is vital that your voice is heard.

At this point in time, United for National Healthcare is a strong and well financed organization. We have great possibilities for future action in educating and mobilizing the public for health care reform. There is, however, a split in the governing Board and in the membership as to whether we should support a strong public option or whether we should continue, as per the by-laws, to advocate only for national single payer health care. We need to resolve this issue so that we can move forward—both during this time of pending national legislation and afterwards to advocate for improving whatever legislation is passed.


PLEASE CONTINUE TO CALL CONGRESS!


We need to keep up the pressure for national single payer health care!

We are asking you to call your members of congress anytime from 6 am to 2 pm Pacific Standard Time . Please call Representative Rick Larsen, Senator Patty Murray, and Senator Maria Cantwell. You will need to make three separate calls.

The toll free number is 1-866-338-1015. When the operator answers, ask for the office of either Representative Rick Larsen, Senator Patty Murray, or Maria Cantwell.

When the staff person answers, tell them your name and zip code and that:

According to new study by PNHP co-founders Drs. Steffie Woolhandler and David Himmelstein, and Dr. Andrew Wilper, nearly 45,000 annual deaths are associated with a lack of health insurance, up from the 18,000 estimated by the Institute of Medicine in 2002. One American now dies every 12 minutes from lack of health insurance. A copy of the study, along with a state-by-state breakout of excess deaths from lack of insurance, is available at http://www.pnhp.org/excessdeaths. We need to end these unnecessary deaths through establishing national single payer health care.

NEXT,

1) Tell Representative Larsen’s staff member that you want Congressman Larson to support

Rep. Anthony Weiner's amendment to substitute single payer legislation (H.R. 676) for House bill 3200; Kucinich's amendment for a state single payer option/ERISA waiver; and Rep. Conyers' single payer bill in the House (H.R. 676)


2) Tell Senator Maria Cantwell and Senator Muray’s staff member that you want the Senator to support Senate Bill 703, which would establish single payer health care for all US residents.


Health Care Reform March

On September 12 nearly 200 supporters of health care reform gathered at Maritime Heritage Park in Bellingham for a rally and march. Speakers included Dr. Chris Covert-Bowlds, a Whatcom County Family Physician, Larry Kalb , President of Health Care for All – Washington, Terry Borneman, Bellingham City Council Member, and Chris Lindberg, President of United for National Health Care. The March was covered in two articles in the Bellingham Herald on September 11 and September 13.

Aileen Satushek
Board Member
United for National Healthcare
supporter {at} unitedforhealthcare.org

Due to permitting issues, we will no longer be at City Hall.
We will meet at the park on the corner of 3rd and Yesler, just a few blocks down.
Address: 450 3rd Ave, Seattle

Apologies for any inconveniences.


When it comes to national health insurance reform legislation, you can be sure about one thing: if insurance companies love it, it's probably a terrible bill for the rest of us.

And insurance companies are jumping over each other to support the new reform bill introduced by Senate Finance Committee Chair Max Baucus. His bill does not include a public health insurance option while still requiring all Americans to purchase private insurance! Some Democrats in Congress have coined it the "Insurance Industry Profit Protection and Enhancement Act!"

The insurance industry is spending $5 million per week1 to get this bill passed and keep a broken system in place.

It's time for all of us to put a spotlight on the insurance industry.

That's why Fuse is partnering with MoveOn.org and the state Health Care for America NOW! coalition to turn people out for a massive "Big Insurance: Sick of It" Rally September 22 in Seattle. The rally will start at noon at Seattle City Hall at 600 4th Avenue (Map). The rally is part of a national Day of Action aimed at sending a strong and united message to the industry, Congress and the media: The vast majority of Americans want health insurance reform now and they want Congress to stop pandering to the special interests of the health insurance industry.

Can you rally with us? Clink this link RSVP:

http://www.fusewashington.org/page/s/SickofIt

That fact is, Big Insurance is targeting much of that $5 million a week to keep a public health care option out of any reform bill.2 And pressure against the public option by the industry is a major reason why conservatives in Congress are holding up Obama's plan for real reform. During the "Big Insurance: Sick of It" rally in Seattle, we'll remind Congress that as long as profit-focused special interests remain in charge of America's health, we are all at risk.

America needs a strong public health insurance option-a health care plan that won't put profits above real lives. Congress is moving quickly toward voting on health care as you read this, that's why we need to make sure they hear our message loud and clear: the time for health insurance reform is now.

Click here for more details and to RSVP for the rally in Seattle:

http://www.fusewashington.org/page/s/SickofIt

We hope to see you there. Thanks for you all you do!


Cheryl and the team at Fuse

Sources:

1. "Industries have spent $585.7 million since 2007 on lobbying and campaign contributions," Public Campaign Action Fund, September 15, 2009.
http://www.campaignmoney.org/HMO_insurance_spend_to_kill_reform

"AHIP: All For Reforms, But Not Government Competition," National Journal, August 20, 2009.
http://undertheinfluence.nationaljournal.com/2009/08/ahip-all-for-reforms-but-not-c.php

Phinney Neighbors for Peace and Justice Presents
START MAKING SENSE


Our fourteenth series of community forums

WED OCT 14 The Best Medicine: Single Payer Health Care

Larry Kalb, President of Health Care For All – Washington will explain why the current proposals being debated in Congress will not make us well.


NOTE NEW LOCATION!


Woodland Park United Methodist Church
Greenwood Ave N and N 78th St
Doors open at 6:30 pm – Forum begins at 7 pm

PNPJ is an affiliate of Sound Nonviolent Opponents of War

Whatcom Coalition 4 Health Care Reform
Whatcom Coalition 4 Health Care Reform, a broad-based group of private citizens and organizations dedicated to: equality of healthcare for all Americans, direct coordination of care between providers and patients, continuity of health care for a lifetime and understanding tax payer subsidies to insurance companies, proudly announces:



Getting a Handle on Health Care An Educational Forum

October 23, 2009 7:00 - 9:00 pm
St. Luke's Health Education Center
3333 Squalicum Parkway,
Bellingham, WA 98227.

Believing that an informed choice is the best choice, Whatcom Coalition 4 Health Care Reform will explain key terms, proposals, and concepts in the pending federal legislation and what they mean to you in real world terms. The speakers will be followed by an audience Q&A session.

Speakers are: Dr. Chris Covert-Bowlds, Whatcom County family physician; Julia Weinberg, RN, President of Washington State Nurses Association; and Larry Kalb, President of Health Care for All-Washington.

For more information contact:

Karen Rice - KriceWC4HC@gmail.com
Rebekah Jane Lee: Rebekah@msrebekah.com (360) 201-3431

The Faith-Inspired Forum for Health Care Reform event will be held on Wednesday, October 28, 2009 from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. at Town Hall, 1119 8th Ave, Seattle

"What would Jesus, the Prophet Mohammed, Moses, and the Buddha Do or Say about Health Care Reform in the United States?"


Leaders from the three Abrahamic faiths and Buddhism will share teachings from their traditions, and then join a panel. Music: The Total Experience Gospel Choir, Rafe Pearlman, Ancient Sounds.


Panelists:
• Ms. Patty Bowman, Director, Social Outreach & Advocacy, St. James Cathedral
• Rev. Leslie Braxton, New Beginnings Christian Fellowship, Renton
• Rev. Monica Corsaro, Director of Social Justice Ministries, Church Council of Greater Seattle
• Rabbi Ted Falcon, PhD, Bet Alef Meditative Synagogue
• Michelle Levey, Author and Teacher of Buddhist Dharma Practices, www.WisdomatWork.com
• Rev. Don Mackenzie PhD, Minister in the United Church of Christ
• Sheikh Jamal Rahman, Muslim Sufi Minister, Interfaith Community Church

Moderator: Dave Ross, Talk show host, KIRO 97.3 FM radio

Schedule: 6:30 Doors open. sponsors' exhibit tables open
6:50-7:20 Ancient Sounds meditative music
7:30-9:00 Program
9:00 Exhibits remain open


Free tickets:
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/81304 or call 800/838-3006.
Free tickets will be available at the door if they haven’t been sold out at Brown Paper Ticket.

Although there is no charge for this event; a free-will offering will help defray costs.

Contact: Richard Hodgin, Faith-Inspired Alliance for Healthcare Reform 206-729-8900 rshodgin {at} comcast.net

Faith-Inspired Alliance for Health Care Reform sponsors this event to give space for hearing voices of local leaders in the faith-based community. We hope to add to the rising chorus of voices across the country demanding change in our broken health care insurance and delivery systems

Ms. Lisa Yeakel with Seattle Channel 21 came through just like she said she would. Click on the live link below and be prepared to view our Town Hall, October 28th, Faith-Inspired Forum for Health Care Reform program. The program was beautifully filmed and edited so please enjoy!

You may simple forward the link to folks in your community or you may contact Lisa Yeakel directly (see instructions and contact information below) and she will assist you in "embedding" the program on your website.


Hi Richard,

Here is the link to the Faith Based Health Care video. Let me know if you want to get it embedded into someone’s website. I’ll put you in touch with our web manager if that’s the case. Otherwise, this link will take you right to the program. I just watched it and really enjoyed every minute!

http://www.seattlechannel.org/videos/video.asp?ID=5210952

Please forward widely...

Friends,

We have reached an important point in the movement for meaningful health care reform. People are ready to put their bodies on the line to say loud and clear single-payer Medicare for All now!

After the recent launch of the Mobilization for Health Care for All, a day of action is scheduled for Thursday, October 15th. Sit-ins will happen all across the nation. Activists are organizing an action in Seattle and they need your help.

If you are willing to risk arrest in a nonviolent act of civil disobedience, support the legal rally, or help organize the action, please contact Roberta McNair at roberta {at} pdamerica.org.

If you have a personal story of being harmed by the insurance industry, please email info {at} healthcare-now.org or call 1-800-453-1305.

Onward to single-payer!

Katie Robbins
Assistant National Coordinator
Healthcare-NOW!
www.healthcare-now.org
www.mobilizeforhealthcare.org

Yesterday Count Bleed-Ya-Dry attempted to support activists sitting in at the Washington, DC Wellpoint insurance company office (see picture on the right). Sadly, rain is very bad for his complexion, and it was a deluge, so he had to stay in the Backbone Wagon. The DC action was only one of many around the country. Over 54 were arrested Thursday at rallies and sit-ins in nine cities for health care for all, an effort inspired by our allies at Fresh Air and Clean Politics. Another round of sit-ins are being organized for October 28. Learn how you can support or participate in the effort HERE. (The Count will have an umbrella by then!)

As our politicians prepare their excuses, the American people are taking the lead because failure is not an option. Neither is placating the insurance companies or mandating that we buy their product, allowing them to further profit from their business model that relies upon denial of claims. These denials kill real people, a subset of the 44,530 people a year who die for lack of access to health care. (The Harvard study determined this number, which is 2.5 times greater than in 2002.)

As we enter the final Washington, DC stage of this fight, we need to stay adamant that Medicare must be opened up to the uninsured. A glimmer of hope shone today when a Blue Dog Democrat raised that possibility. We also need to be sure that Single Payer programs can be initiated in the states. Here's how you can help.

Act now! - Mark your calendar to call your Congress Members on Monday.


Tell them to support the Weiner amendment --Medicare for All! (The first ever vote on Single Payer in the US Congress - This alone is a victory worth celebrating.)
Also insist that your Congress member make sure the Kucinich amendment is retained in the final legislation so states can more easily implement single-payer systems.
Visit MobilizeForHealthCare.org. Sign up to be part of another wave of actions targeting the insurance industry on October 28. This industry is keen for mandated insurance - providing highly profitable "Limited Benefit Plan" products that functionally institutionalizes the under-insuring of Americans.
IF you live on – or near – Vashon Island, come to the Single-Payer Vashon event this Sunday to learn more and meet others preparing for action.…
"Public option...single payer...co-op plan...triggers." If you've been following the discussion on health care reform and have been frustrated by the terminology and various proposals, please come participate in the "Health Care Crisis and Solutions" event co-sponsored by Single-Payer Vashon, the Vashon-Maury Island Green Party, and the Backbone Campaign.

Perhaps you currently have a private insurance plan that you believe will cover you adequately, regardless of the nature or severity of any medical crisis you may incur. The Center for American Progress released a report this year stating that nearly 14,000 Americans are losing health insurance coverage every day. And last month, the California Nurses Association reported that 21% of health care claims are denied. You may think you have good health care now...do you? And will you have it next year?

Our event will feature the documentary Sick Around the World from Washington Post correspondent T.R. Reid. Mr. Reid did what any intelligent person — or country — should do when facing a crisis: examine others who have successfully surmounted the crisis, and learn lessons from them. He travelled the world to learn about other countries' health care system successes and failures. His results are both compelling and informational.

After viewing some other very short videos, we'll discuss what critical votes are currently before Congress, and then open up for Q&A.

Join us on Sunday, October 18, 4:30-6:30 PM, at the Ober Park Performance Room*. Donations will be accepted, with proceeds evenly divided between Physicians for a National Health Program and Health Care for All - Washington.

For more information, contact Roger Fulton, 463-0079, spv@personaltechaid.com.

* Directions, from the Vashon Island north ferry dock: The venue is the Ober Park Performance Room. Map here . Ober Park is on Vashon Highway, about 4.4 miles south of the ferry dock, on the east side of the road. Right after you cross SW 171st St, you'll see the parking lot for the Metro Ober Park Park and Ride, on the left side of the highway. Just beyond that is the parking lot you want, for Ober Park. The Park and Ride lot is paved; the Ober Park parking lot is gravel. The building with the Performance Room is the one immediately to the south of the parking lot. The Vashon Library, also on the left side of the road, is south of Ober Park. If you see the Library, you've gone too far south.
Ferry, from West Seattle (Fauntleroy): The 3:20 boat is recommend. The general rule for catching a boat at this time of day is to get there about 30 minutes before departure — 2:50 in this case. Worst case: if you missed the 3:20, the next boat is at 4:00, which means you'd be a few minutes late to the event.

Getting a Handle on Healthcare Reform: An Educational Forum

Friday, October 23, 2009 @ 7 pm

St. Luke's Health Education Center

3333 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham, WA 98225



Please join us and your fellow healthcare reform supporters at this free public forum for an explanation of key terms, proposals and concepts in the pending federal legislation and what they mean to you in real world terms. Informed choice is the BEST choice!



Featured Speakers:

Chris Covert-Bowlds, Whatcom Family Physician

Julia Weinberg, RN, President, WA State Nurses Association

Larry Kalb, President, Healthcare for All, WA



Sponsored by Whatcom Coalition 4 Health Care Reform.

Whatcom Coalition 4 Health Care Reform is a broad-based group of private citizens and organizations dedicated to: equality of healthcare for all Americans, direct coordination of care between providers and patients, continuity of health care for a lifetime and understanding tax payer subsidies to insurance companies.



Coalition Members:

Health Care for All - Washington

MoveOn - Bellingham

Whatcom Democrats

United for National Healthcare


For additional information about this event, call 360-201-3431 or visit www.wc4hcr.community.officelive.com




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



United for National Healthcare Membership Meeting
Our next meeting is Thursday, October 22, 2009 @ 7:00 pm

Laborer's Hall (downstairs on left side of building) 1700 N State, Bellingham WA

At this meeting we will accept nominations for Board Members and elect new Board members. We will discuss our future direction and activities for the coming year.

12 noon Wednesday October 28, Westlake Park



Shine the light on insurance company abuse.


Bring yourself and a sign to Westlake Park, 4th and Pine, in downtown Seattle.


People from all walks will be standing in support

with those risking arrest

around the country
to protest


the 45,000 deaths a year from lack of health insurance


the 62% of bankruptcies resulting from medical causes,
75% of which had health insurance



Join others who understand that until the health insurance companies
are taken out of the healthcare equation, the results will always be weighted in their favor.

People who understand that
Medicare for All with single-payer healthcare—everybody in, nobody out—
is the only way this country will ever further its founding principles of
equality and opportunity

The third rehearsal of the "Die-In" team will meet at Ellen Kritzman's home on Vashon this Sunday, November 1, 3:30-5:30. We are still looking for more participants! If you're not familiar with the “Die-In” project, see the end of this message. We will meet also next Sun. Aug 8th , 2-4 pm, at the Southwest Branch, Seattle Public Library in Fauntleroy.
- Roger



DIRECTIONS TO ELLEN'S

From the North Ferry Dock
Note: Ellen lives only 1/2-mile from the ferry dock. You could leave your car in Seattle and walk on to the 3 pm Fauntleroy-Vashon ferry, then either walk to Ellen's or pre-arrange to have someone pick you up on the dock. If you want a pick-up, contact Ellen ahead of time at 567-4837 or ekritzman@centurytel.net .
--
A map to Ellen Kritzman's house may be found at http://tinyurl.com/yls6ruj
If for some reason that doesn't work for you, here are the directions in plain text:

1: Drive off ferry boat and down the dock.
2: At the end of the dock, most of the traffic will be turning left, BUT YOU'LL WANT TO TAKE THE RIGHT FORK onto 103RD AVE SW.
3: Turn RIGHT onto SW COWAN RD.
4: 10710 SW COWAN RD is on the RIGHT, House is Salmon-colored
--

ABOUT THE "122 DIE EVERY DAY" DIE-IN TRAININGS
Members of the various Single Payer Action teams have begun planning some Street Theater to demonstrate the impact of a recent Harvard Medical School report that 45,000 Americans die every year due to lack of health insurance coverage. Improved and expanded Medicare For All is the answer! Bring out the "Inner Thespian" in yourself. Come join us!

Briefly, here's an outline of what we're planning: At locations like sidewalks in front of health insurance company buildings, or gathering places like Westlake Center, have a handful (at least) of people stage a "die-in." The "dying" people will fall to the ground simultaneously (or maybe in a "wave"), and others will rush in and use sidewalk chalk to outline them where they fell. These chalk outlines will represent the 122 Americans who die every day from lack of access to health care. In addition to the "dead" and the "chalkers," there will also be people with signs and flyers that explain what's happening. We intend for this to happen quickly...a few minutes at most. Our goals do *not* include getting arrested (there are other groups doing that currently, via sit-ins).

Larsen to Host Healthcare Telephone Town Hall with 2nd District Constituents

For Immediate Release
(202) 225-2605

Monday, November 2nd at 6:30 PM Pacific Time
October 30, 2009

Washington , D.C. — On Monday, November 2nd, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) will host a telephone town hall with constituents from across the 2nd Congressional District to discuss the Affordable Health Care for America Act that was introduced in the House on Thursday. Larsen will make the call from his office in Washington , D.C. to speak with constituents from Island, Snohomish, Skagit, San Juan , King and Whatcom Counties .

“I’m looking forward to hosting another telephone town hall with 2nd District Constituents,” said Larsen. “In August, I hosted two in-person town halls on health care reform in the 2nd District. Those events were well-attended, and I want to continue to hear from my constituents and share my thoughts on health care reform as I examine the bill and prepare to take this important vote.”

What: U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen’s health care reform telephone town hall
When: Monday, November 2nd, 6:30 PM Pacific Time / 9:30 PM Eastern Time
Call-in: (877) 269-7289
Code: 13740


Brooke N Davis
Political Director
Congressman Rick Larsen
PO Box 326
Everett, WA 98206
www.ricklarsen.org

brooke {at} ricklarsen.org
425-259-1866 office
425-259-0117 fax
425-830-2031 cell

Last week, OSPA delivered 90 hand-written notes to Rep. Baird’s office asking him to support the single payer amendments, along with a letter asking him to vote NO on any bill that does not include the Kucinich amendment. We collected these cards in just two afternoons at the Olympia Farmer’s Market. We'll be collecting more cards and paying more visits to Rep. Baird's office – and hopefully, Rep. Smith's too. But we need more people.

Please consider joining this effort.

Next Olympia Single Payer Action (OSPA) meeting:
THIS Sunday, Nov 8, at 11:00 AM
Mixx 96 Meeting room at 119 Washington Street NE
(SW corner of State and Washington St, to the right of the old Otto's)

Contact us at olysinglepayer {at} gmail.com .

And finally, there is a good article posted today at CommonDreams by Tom Gallagher which takes a position virtually identical to the one OSPA has articulated here.

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Congressional contacts:

Brian Baird – Phone: (202) 225-3536 • Fax: (202) 225-3478
https://forms.house.gov/baird/webforms/issue_subscribe.htm

Adam Smith – Phone: (202) 225-8901 • Fax: (202) 225-5893
http://adamsmith.house.gov/Contact/

Patty Murray – Phone: (202) 224-2621 or Toll Free: (866) 481-9186 • Fax: (202) 224-0238http://murray.senate.gov/email/index.cfm

Maria Cantwell – Phone: (202) 224-3441 • Fax: (202) 228-0514
http://cantwell.senate.gov/contact/

You are invited to join your neighbors at the North Seattle Action Team which will provide a chance to discuss federal and state strategies. The legislature convenes January 11th and we have 23 remaining co-sponsors of a state single payer bill. We need to touch bases with those friends and discuss strategies.

Come to the Green Lake Library, this Sunday from 2-4pm. And come Tuesday for pizza, salad, drinks & making posters for the Rallies on Dec 10th in Seattle and Dec 12th in Everett.

See you there! - Chuck



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December 3, 2009

Dear PNHP colleagues and friends,

An opportunity to influence a historic floor vote in the Senate on single-payer legislation is upon us. You can help determine the outcome of this vote. This past Wednesday, Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont introduced an amendment to the Senate leadership's health bill that would delete the bulk of that bill's language and substitute the wording of his single-payer, Medicare-for-All bill, S. 703. Under Senate rules, his amendment will go straight to the floor for debate. The vote could come very soon. Sanders measure, known as Senate Amendment 2837, would create "a universal, single-payer health insurance system" that is federally funded but administered by the states. It was introduced with two co-sponsors, Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Sen. Roland Burris of Illinois, although there are others such as Sen. Tom Harkin of Iowa, chair of the important Senate HELP committee, who are likely to vote for it. For more details on the amendment, please see the PNHP news release and Sanders' talking points below.

Please urge your senators to vote "yes" on Senate Amendment 2837 as quickly as you can. The time factor is critical. The Congressional Switchboard number is (202) 224-3121. While we will not achieve single payer this time around, it's significant (and historic) that we took it from a non-starter position to a place on the Senate floor. It seems like a small deal, but it is huge. The vote will also give us a chance to find out who is willing to stand up in the Senate for the only just, workable and cost-effective option: Single Payer.

Sanders is expected to introduce another amendment in the days ahead that would allow several individual states to experiment with single-payer systems. We'll let you know when that measure comes up. Finally, in a separate development, Dr. Michael Klag, dean at Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, has just published an eloquent statement in support of single payer: "If we want true health reform, we need a single-payer system. Those of you shaking your heads and saying it can't be done should know it has been done - repeatedly. As hard as it is, we must completely reform our system." The full statement appears below. It's clear that the momentum behind our proposal is growing.

Cordially,

Quentin Young, M.D.
National Coordinator Ida Hellander, M.D.