Everybody In! Nobody Out!

Local, State, and National Happenings

May 2020 HCAO E-Newsletter

Call Out Racism as a Threat to Public Health

The Covid-19 pandemic has exposed the gross inequities of our healthcare system. The history of systemic racism has impacted the lives of so many and causing disproportionate deaths among people of color. Force CDC/NIH to admit that racism is the true public health target impacting outcomes for ALL Americans. Cure the infection and not just the fever. Sign the Petition . This petition effort comes from HCAO Endorser " Right To Health ". Why is this important? From gun violence to universal healthcare, no field of endeavor or conflict in this country is untouched by the legacy of racism manifest by our American destiny. READ MORE .

HCAO Launches Resource Link

HCAO has created a "Need Help" link at its website. This is a general information place that anyone can be referred to try to connect with resources during the crisis. It it a work in progress. Expect future updates. Please share this widely. If a special session is held, legislators will be dealing with additional needs created by the coronavirus. Read the latest tips and help from the Oregon Health Authority , including possible eligibility for the Oregon Health Plan, click here . 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, so read on.

Sign the Petition to Stand with Health Care Workers

The Oregon Nurses Association has requested our help to protect frontline healthcare workers in this time of crisis.   Sign the petition urging Governor Brown to intervene in this extraordinary public health and workers’ rights emergency. Stand with frontline healthcare workers in Oregon, who’ve already gone too long caring for COVID-19 workers without adequate protections. Sign onto this letter of support .   Let's show our nurses that we support them by adding thousands of signatures. Sign on .

HCAO Activity Poll Results & Take the New Poll

HCAO activity poll results: Poll indicates that pandemic is having negative impact on the physical activity of 44.3% of respondents and, therefore, the possible health of those taking poll. While the need for protecting ourselves and others is imperative, it is of vital importance that everyone take care of their health. 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? Take this poll:

Are you eating healthier? (Select one.) healthier than usual for me Select About the same as usual for me Select Somewhat less than usual for me Select Far less than usual for me Select

National Scene: Insurance Company Bailout Again?

This number represents an increase of over 9 million from just 4 weeks ago. This is only true "because the United States is unique among rich countries in tying health insurance to employment." There are proposals at the national level to address this. One is H.R. 6514 . There are concerns that this would just be a give away to insurance companies by covering expensive COBRA payments. No Oregon legislators have yet signed on. There is another proposal that could be introduced within two weeks--the Jayapal-Sanders Health Care Emergency Guarantee Act. This is an opportunity to contact your congressional representative and tell them what you think about a bail out of the insurance profiteers.

Employer-Based Insurance--Not the Answer

Even for those that have kept employment, the costs are too much to bear. Here is just one more adovate's story of employer-based insurance. "My husband's employer-based insurance covers only him with some cost sharing. Last year, my own health insurance, purchased through my husband's work, cost an additional $550 per month. Now my health insurance costs $900 per month!!! I struggled to understand what happened." Read More . We say that it's time we all had the protection of a publicly funded universal healthcare system.

Task Force on Universal Health Care: Next Steps

The Task Force is likely to begin meeting in August. There is hope for an accelerated schedule to make up for lost time. 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 participation 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 also watch and provide public testimony. Providing testimony, either written or during public hearings, is the work ahead.

Board Member Highlight: Chris Ramey

Chris: " The opportunity to serve on the HCAO Board was appealing to me because after working for both a health insurance company and a local public health department, I was able to see how broken our healthcare system is and how it marginalizes some of the most vulnerable members of our community. I feel that HCAO had the right mission to treat healthcare as a fundamental human right rather than an economic choice. In the two and a half years that I have served on the board, I feel that we have made a great deal of progress in achieving that goal. The members of this board are a highly intelligent and dedicated group whose tireless work has made HCAO a real force in the healthcare debate. I’ve learned a great deal in my time on the board and been inspired by the commitment of the board members and HCAO membership in general. It has been an honor to serve on this board." After being appointed to fill a vacant seat on the board in October of 2017, Chris came to the rescue to improve the effectiveness and transparency of financial oversight within HCAO. Further, in the role as treasurer Chris provides HCAO with a higher and more thorough level of this oversight. Chris ensures that the board is solid and responsible financial stewards of the donations provided to us by our members and other contributors. Chris will be leaving the Board in June but has put HCAO on solid ground. Thanks Chris.

Physical Distancing Activism

Engagement While Physical Distancing

Despite physical distancing limitations and no tabling, HCAO activists throughout the state are still connecting in their communities. Staying safe combined with creativity has been the key to successful engagement. These activities continue to build our data base of supporters. Other ways of easily socially engaging include: Join and post on the HCAO FB Group. Ask one person you know to add their name at hcao.org. Share your health care story. Volunteer--lots to do remotely. Vote

Events

Annual Membership Meeting. With regret, we have cancelled this year's conference and need to have a members' only business meeting by remote communication. Become a Member Today. . There is planning to have webinars that would have been the topic of the conference: Universal Health Care—Its Impact Across Populations Soul Queens and Blues Kings Show Healing the Health Care Blues  RESCHEDULED TO AUGUST 22. Can Get Your Tickets August 22, 2020, 7:30–11:00 pm. Aladdin Theater Info and tickets: click here . Please share .

A Tribute to All Acting Virtually

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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