Everybody In! Nobody Out!
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Local, State, and National Happenings
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June 2020 HCAO E-Newsletter
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Save the Task Force on Universal Health Care
Contact Your State Legislators
Act Virtually
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The current pandemic has exposed the failure of the insurance-based system to establish a universal health care system based on healthcare justice.
The projected state budget cuts have fostered rumors that funding for the Task Force on Universal Health Care is in jeopardy. We must not let that happen.
The Good News: It will be the legislature that decides the funding. Contact your State Representative and State Senator now, and tell them what you think about the need for universal healthcare and the importance of the Task Force on Universal Health Care. It is time for an equitable healthcare system.
At this time, the Task Force is still on track to begin meeting in August. There is hope for an accelerated schedule to make up for lost time. We must make sure that this work begins.
When it does start, the Task Force will be appointing members to the Advisory Committee. The legislation sets
minimum criteria for this committee
. If you or someone you know is interested in participating or has questions, feel free to contact the HCAO Legislative Committee at
legislative@hcao.org
.
You can sign up to follow the The Task Force
here
. When the meetings begin, you can watch and provide public testimony. Providing that testimony, either written or during public hearings, is the work ahead.
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"Yes for Healthy Future Oregon" Campaign Launched
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HCAO is part of the "
Yes for a Healthy Future
" Coalition. Preventing health problems is an essential part of HCAO's mission. Campaign information and opportunity to get involved can be found on the
campaign website
.
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HCAO Eating Poll Results & Take the New Poll
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While it is imperative that we protect ourselves and others, it is also vitally important that everyone takes care of their own health, as well. A healthy immune system is one of the key elements of preventing and fighting diseases. Good nutrition helps our gut health, which is so important. Are you eating healthier?
Here's our new poll:
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Have you recently noticed that the air is less polluted? (Select one.)
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Seems less polluted to me
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Seems about the same to me
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National Scene: Health Care Emergency Guarantee Act Introduced
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Shortly after the May newsletter went out, a
Kaiser Family Foundation Report
stated that the number who have lost employer based insurance was approaching 27 million, up 15 million in just four weeks.
It is clear that employment-based insurance leaves many continuously vulnerable to being without any coverage. To quote one of the authors, "There's a lot of stressors on people right now. You may be unemployed. You might be sick. You might be quarantining. And, you know, there's just a limit to how many life things you can deal with at once."
Listen to the NPR Report
.
There are proposals at the national level to address this. The Jayapal-Sanders
Health Care Emergency Guarantee Act
(HEGA) has been introduced in both chambers of Congress. According to
Common Dreams
, "
It would use Medicare to provide immediate coverage of health care costs for the uninsured, and to provide wrap-around coverage of copays and deductibles for those with existing insurance." Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley and Reps. Blumenauer, DeFazio, and Bonamici have signed on. Wyden, Schrader, and Walden have not. Continue to share your thoughts with all of Oregon's congressional delegation.
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Are You Ready to Take on Big Pharma?
Ady Barkan and Elizabeth Warrren Are.
Stop the Covid Profiteering!
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Here is a long and very worthwhile listen to Ady Barkan, Elizabeth Warren, Alex Lawson, Abdul El Sayed, and many more (
open and save the link) about how it is imperative that we stop Big Pharma from taking control of the vaccine and profiting from the pandemic. We must avoid another insulin-price-gouging situation. How? In the words of Alex Lawson, "By global solidarity, led by the public."
Despite physical distancing limitations and no tabling, HCAO activists throughout the state can still take action. Staying safe, combined with creativity, has been the key to successful engagement. These activities continue to build our database of supporters.
Other ways of easily socially engaging include:
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HCAO Business Supporter Highlight: Classic Pianos
Open for Business
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Cathy: "Every human being deserves quality healthcare."
Thanks to the generosity of long-time supporters Maurice and Cathy Unis, the "Healing the Health Care Blues" event was to be held at both Classic Pianos and the Aladdin Theater.
Classic Pianos, owned by Maurice and Cathy Unis, along with other family members, has been part of the Northwest piano community for many years and is located at 3003 SE Milwaukie Ave. Maurice, Cathy, and the Classic team are deeply involved in the Portland arts and educational community. The showroom is currently offering special price savings and is open by private appointment or through their online virtual sale option.
503.239.9969
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HCAO Launches Resource Link—In Case You Missed It
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HCAO has created a
"Need Help" link
on its website. This is a general-information place that anyone can be referred to, in order to connect with resources during the crisis. It is a work in progress, so you can expect occasional updates.
Please share this widely.
If a special session is held, legislators will be dealing with additional needs created by the coronavirus.
HCAO continues to take its lead from the Oregon Public Health Division. To read information or sign on for updates,
click here
.
No one said the struggle would be easy, but we are making progress.
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Annual Membership Meeting
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With regret, we have cancelled this year's conference and need to hold a members-only business meeting by remote communications.
We are planning to hold webinars covering what would have been the topic of the conference: "Universal Health Care—Its Impact Across Populations."
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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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Everybody in! Nobody out!
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