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Local, State, and National Happenings

July 2020 HCAO E-Newsletter

Contact Your State Legislators: Save the Task Force on Universal Health Care

We've said it before, but this is essential—we must preserve funding for the state's T ask Force on Universal Health Care when the legislature votes on funding cuts. We must stand up for justice in healthcare. Please contact your State Representative and State Senator again, and tell them to "stand up for justice in health care, and save the funding for the Task Force on Universal Health Care. It is time for an equitable healthcare system." Click here to search for your legislator. The Task Force is still on track to start meeting in August, and there is hope for an accelerated schedule to make up for lost time, but we must make sure that this work begins. When it starts, the Task Force will appoint members to an Advisory Committee. (Read about the minimum criteria for this Advisory Committee.) If you or someone you know is interested in participating or has questions, please contact the HCAO Legislative Committee at legislative@hcao.org . Click here to follow the Task Force. Once the meetings begin, you can watch and provide public testimony, either during public hearings or in writing—this is the work ahead.

Annual Meeting Brings New Board Members, Bylaws Updates, and "HCAO You Rock Awards"

Zainab Alidina John Burns, Treasurer

Tony Germann A nnie Naranjo-Rivera

The annual meeting took place on June 13 over Zoom. Four great additions to the Board and four dedicated continuing Board Members were approved by the 44 organizational members attending. Click here to read more about the Board. A sincere "thank you!" to our outgoing Board Members, Chris Ramey (Treasurer) and Nadine Sandbo (Legislative Chair). Approved were numerous Board-recommended housekeeping bylaws as suggested by the University of Oregon Nonprofit Clinic and the Ad Hoc Bylaws Committee. There was also an important change related to the ability to conduct business via e-mail, as allowed by ORS 65 changes that went into effect in January. Thanks to Sarah Spansail and Vinnie Blanco for their work on the bylaws. Click here to read about the bylaws and financials. HCAO is proud to have earned the GuideStar™ Gold Seal of Transparency. Join HCAO, or renew your membership, today!

Three HCAO volunteers were recognized with the "HCAO You Rock Award": Lee Mercer, past HCAO President and current Chair of the Business Engagement Committee, was recognized by President Tom Sincic for overall dedication to the organization. Cheryl Bristah was recognized by Director of Operations Linda Alband for outstanding administrative support. David Young was recognized by Lou Sinniger for his contribution to the Membership Committee for engagement with faith communities. We thank all the volunteers across the state for their continued efforts. You ALL rock! We are still planning webinars covering what would have been the topic of the conference: "Universal Health Care—Its Impact Across Populations."

Building Awareness for the Movement

Get out the message through safe, hands-free sign-up using this QR code.

"Yes for a Healthy Future" Campaign Gets Into Gear

Tobacco kills 7,000 Oregonians a year, making it the leading cause of preventable death in our state. Let’s imagine a world without tobacco deaths. This November, we’re taking back the power from Big Tobacco and investing in proven solutions to help people stop smoking, including tripling the funding for cessation and prevention programs. HCAO is proud to be part of the "Yes for a Healthy Future" Coalition. Click here to read about the Coalition and to get involved.

National Scene: "Health Care Emergency Guarantee Act" Update

Thanks to the calls from so many of you, Sen. Ron Wyden has signed on as a cosponsor of S. 3790 Health Care Emergency Guarantee Act . The House version of this bill is H.R. 6906 . introduced by Rep. Pramila Jayapal. Rep. Kurt Schrader and Rep. Greg Walden are the remaining hold outs. Rep. Jayapal is introduced in this PBS video as leading the Medicare for All fight. Rep. Jayapal speaks about protests, immigration, race, and institutional racism and sexism in the structures of Congress. HCAO supports structural reform to address the disparities in health and healthcare. We are on the "Path to Change."

California Calling for a Vote "The time is now to #PassTheDamnBill" 116 California DNC Delegates Demand Pelosi Hold Vote on Medicare for All "Our privatized, employer-based health coverage model is an international embarrassment. It economically crushes working families for the private profits of [the] elite." Read more at Common Dreams' web site.

HCAO Air Quality Poll Results & Take the New Poll

HCAO air quality poll results: The poll indicates that most felt the pandemic was leading to improved air quality. In fact, there was dramatic improvement in both the Columbia Basin and the Portland area . Because air pollution has a disproportionate impact on People of Color, isn't it time we do something about this public health problem? Here's our new poll:

Why do your wear a face mask? (Select one.) To protect myself Select To protect others Select To protect myself and others Select Because it's required statewide Select

Oregon thought it had controlled COVID-19; then came the surge. Over the past month the number of confirmed cases has more than doubled.

How do face masks best provide protection? No sense in keeping it a mystery. We cannot know when we may be a carrier, so we always wear a face mask to protect our fellow citizens. Of course, that face mask is an added protection for you and your family, as well!

New HCAO Business Supporter Highlight: Naive Melody

Iris: “We support universal healthcare because, now more than ever, we recognize that America’s healthcare system was created to benefit wealthy, white Americans. POC and poor people are disproportionately affected by COVID-19, because they are less likely to have health insurance. Lack of funds, or the color of your skin, should not be equivalent to a death sentence. We are unabashedly anti-racist, pro-immigrant, and 100% in favor of Universal Healthcare for All.” Naive Melody, a vintage shop, is an entrepreneurial start-up of long-time HCAO supporter Iris Hodge. Start-ups are difficult enough without the sometimes impossible burden of paying for health insurance. As a former employee of The Main Street Alliance, Iris knows these challenges all too well.  Purchasing a gift card for Naive Melody will help them weather the storm. Gift cards can be used now for online orders or held until you're again able to visit the store in person. They appreciate your support! Naive Melody is located at 109 Tenth St. in Oregon City, OR Visit Naive Melody's online shop. Contact them at naivemelodypdx@gmail.com. Click here to add your business as an HCAO supporter!

HCAO's ability to educate about and advocate for universal health care is possible ONLY because of YOU. Thank you for your past support! Please become a member, make an additional contribution, or volunteer.

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