I’m working on a project to develop public awareness (and build grassroots interest) in the national health crisis and our options. While I’m personally committed to the Single-Payer solution, I am even more committed to supporting any legislation or program that will lead to any method of delivering Universal access to health care as soon as possible.
To that end, I’m planning a series of educational events in my congressional district — the Kansas 3rd District. The district includes 3 counties, Johnson (a mostly suburban community), Wyandotte (An urban community with a large Hispanic population) & Douglas (historically a college town). And I’d like to have an event at a public library in each of the three. And I’m wondering if you could help me?
I think these sessions would be much more effective if REAL experts on the Health Care crisis — especially the single-payer option — did the presentations. I’ve got passion and commitment (good for organizing), but not the deep grounding in the details that I think would be most effective for this project. But, I don’t know how to find these experts.
I’m looking for someone who would be interested and able to do these educational sessions once a month through the spring (and maybe longer if interest builds) in each of our 3 counties. Do you have suggestions for where to go or who to ask?
If you’re in the Kansas City/Lawrence area would you be interested in helping out?
I don’t think we have a hope of seeing progress on this issue until more voters become aware of the advantages of Single-Payer or Medicare for All. And I don’t want to sit around any longer waiting for something to happen.
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I think healthcare is one of the most important subjects facing many people. I wish you good luck in your project.
I saw an interesting segment last night on Nightline. It was about people in the United States heading to India for affordable medical procedures they couldn’t pay for at home. This should be a wake-up call for big healthcare in this country.
Hi Roy, I’ve been hearing stories like that for a couple of years. And it makes my teeth curl with frustration.
Can you think of an organization or group that would have experts on this issue? Meetings and passion are all well and good. But I need to find some people who are good teachers and know what they’re talking about — who would also like to participate in this project.
I’ve got some ideas — like leafletting neighborhoods and hoping to stumble into someone….
I’ve been involved a lot with the Autism movement on my blog. Here is a post as an example of some things I’ve done, http://imusblog.com/faces-of-hope/
My advice would be to search for a group already established and start a chapter in your area for the existing group. As far as a particular group, I don’t know one right off, but I’ll think about it and let you know.
My experience has been that people are very passionate about health issues. Especially when it impacts their family, for example children or parents.
I think you’re right about finding a group that already exists.
Great idea ! I’m nowhere near Kansas, but wish you all the best. Here in CA the Governator has actually gotten on board to some extent with healthcare for all Californians, starting with school-based clinics. http://gov.ca.gov/index.php?/press-release/2570/
I am awaiting further developments on this, and am not at all sure that he’s going to come up with something I can support, but at least they are going to talk about it !
Have you found a group you might be interested in Katie?
Hi catdog and Roy — My sister has put me in touch with a group of Kansas progressives. But, I don’t know if any of them know any more than I do about the issue.
But, I haven’t made any calls yet — I figured that too many people were off last week to make it worth while. I’ll try making some calls next week. I know that our new Congresswoman, Nancy Boyda from the 2nd district is interested in this issue. So someone on her staff might have a name or two for me.
The thing is, I think we’ve dilly-dallied too long to make a phase-in option valid. It’s time to just dive in. I think.
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[...] I’m also going to send a message to the two names I’ve been sent who might be interested in participating in my Health Care for Everyone Education Project. [...]