Everybody In! Nobody Out!
News, Events, and Actions
In case you missed it.
This uncomfortable reality is something that exists across Oregon and the nation. HCAO is currently addressing this important public health issue by requiring vaccines for all working or volunteering in close proximity with others. This includes tabling activities. We are carefully following and supporting governor, OHA, and OHSA directives. Here is link that covers federal mandates: https://www.whitehouse.gov/covidplan/
Free Grassroots Advocacy Training Program
Sunday, October 17th 11am-12:30pm
This training sponsored by HCAO Member Organization Unite Oregon focuses on school boards but there is application for all your individual advocacy efforts with local governments. HCAO volunteers are already talking to some school boards about supporting universal health care.

A message from the trainers: "Interfacing with local governments can feel daunting, but it’s actually quite easy to do with just a little training. Here is a great opportunity to train up on how to advocate for common sense policy in local government. Hosted by We Win Strategy Group and The Healthy Schools Project, this free training will prepare you to stand up to make a difference at the local level and will feature experts in the field of vaccine health and a panel of Oregon’s school board members." Flyer Link and Registration.
Single Payer Wins Again for Cost
Colorado and California Reports
Oregon had the Rand Study (despite its underestimate of savings and reduced burden on the provider side) cleary showed that a publicly financed single payer system would cover everyone without additional costs. Now both Colorado and California have released reports that show when it comes to cost--"Single Payer is the Solution". Read the Colorado report summary. Read the California report.
What's Up with Redistricting?
Will You Get a Change of Reps?
Campaign time is already here with multiple people already declaring their intentions for 2022. This includes the very important Governor's race. Oregon also has its new 6th Congressional seat. It is already time to locate your place on the map.

Heading into 2022 this is what we can provide for now. These maps will give you a general idea. You may need to enlarge or reduce the image after you open.

This interactive map will provide detail but will need navigation. Some tips on navigating are provided.
Tips for navigating:
  • On left side click on "Show Contents of Map" icon (to the right of the i icon)
  • Select box for "Adopted Maps"
  • Next click on "Adopted Maps" dropdown arrow
  • Next select box for Congress, House, and/or Senate (unselect the ones you do not want)
  • You can now zoom in or out for more or less detail

Stay tuned as we determine future implications for single-payer universal healthcare. Right now,, when the legislature is not in session, is the ideal time to make an appointment with your current state senator and state rep. and express your thoughts and find out where they stand on single-payer universal healthcare. It's easy in this virtual world.
Find your legislator here. After you have a conversation, report the results to legislative@hcao.org.
HOPE Amendment (SJR 12) Campaign Coming Soon
"Amends Constitution: State must ensure affordable healthcare access, balanced against requirement to fund schools, and other essential services."

As previously announced this campaign will be led by SEIU 503 with Our Oregon. HCAO Board Member Annie Naranjo-Rivera will serve as HCAO point person with the campaign on this effort. More information will be forthcoming in December on the campaign ahead. "HOPE" you will be prepared to get involved.
Joint Task Force on Universal Health Care
Time for Community Engagement
The JTFUHC latest meetings were resumed on 9/9 and 9/30. Here is the link to find the recordings. Community engagement is now the focus of the work of the Task Force and that of HCAO.

The next meeting is 10/28, 1:00 pm. Tell the Task Force what kind of a health system you want through your personal testimony. Go to this link to find out how to submit written testimony. Go to this link to provide oral testimony. (Ignore the given date in the information.) Here is the link to the schedule for future meetings.
Help Get Needed Waivers
We continue on a pathway to getting needed waivers through the Budget Reconciliation process in Congress. As Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Wyden is absolutely key in this effort. Several Oregon Senators have now submitted a request to Senator Wyden as Chair of the Senate Finance Committee to support the waivers which would provide significant help in getting funding for a state-based system.

Your help is still needed. Please contact Senator Wyden and ask that he advance the needed waivers in Budget Reconciliation so states can create their own plan. https://www.wyden.senate.gov/contact

For assistance, contact:
Zainab Alidina, HCAO Legislative Chair (legislative@hcao.org) or
Tom Sincic, HCAO President (president@hcao.org).
How about writing a letter to the editor to express your thoughts? Here is how.
Medical Debt Leads Bankruptcy in Time of Covid

HCAO Board Member Lou Sinniger writes to the Eugene Register Guard: "What disturbs me even more is that while these people are going through undetermined ailments and pain, they cannot work. They are then saddled with medical bills they cannot pay." READ MORE.
HCAO Volunteers Continue Community Engagement
HCAO and Basic Income Movement
HCAO was invited to participate with the Basic Income Rally at Peninsula Park in Portland on Sept. 25. Volunteers Sierra, Faith, Lars, Helen and HCAO VP Valdez steped up to engage with attendees.

Universal Healthcare and Basic Income are aligned issues that would greatly reduce the stresses that so many feel.
Couple inquires about joining the movement
Dedicated volunteers Sierra and Faith
It only takes one or two dedicated people to make a difference.
Join or start a local chapter https://www.hcao.org/chapters.
Story sharing is a powerful tool in the movement. Share your story and/or help others share theirs at https://www.hcao.org/share-your-story.
Your Financial Support Is Needed
HCAO's ability to educate about and advocate for universal healthcare is possible ONLY because of YOU.

For further information and questions, contact Linda Alband (operations@hcao.org).
Please become a member, make an additional contribution, or volunteer.
Everybody in! Nobody out!