Everybody In! Nobody Out!
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Local, State, and National Happenings
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April 2020 HCAO E-Newsletter
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Needed Resource Information
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If a special session is held, legislators will be dealing with 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, so read on.
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International Scene: Year of the Nurse
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From the World Health Org
: "Nurses and midwives play a vital role in providing health services. These are the people who devote their lives to caring for mothers and children, giving lifesaving immunizations and health advice, looking after older people, and generally meeting everyday essential health needs. They are often the first and only point of care in their communities. The world needs nine million more nurses and midwives if it is to achieve universal health coverage by 2030."
HCAO is especially grateful at this time for the strong support of Oregon's nurses unions,
ONA
and
OFNHP
, in the effort to achieve universal health care. Far beyond that, we are so thankful as our nurse heroes are there taking care of so many in the battle against COVID-19. Please support your nurse friends as they help all of us!
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A Tribute to All Acting Virtually
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HCAO poll results: 85% feel size of deductible will impact decision to seek care for coronavirus.
While the need for protecting ourselves and others is imperative, it is of vital importance that everyone take care of their health. How physically active have you been? Take this poll:
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What is your level of physical activity? (Select one.)
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About the same as usual for me
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Somewhat less than usual for me
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Far less than usual for me
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National Scene: Can't Keep Your Employer-Based Insurance
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"3.5 million workers likely lost their employer-provided health insurance in the past two weeks"
"Because the United States is unique among rich countries in tying health insurance."
HCAO says that it's time we all had the protection of a publicly funded universal healthcare system.
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HCAO Endorses the "Yes for a Healthier Future" Campaign
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On March 28, the HCAO Board voted to endorse the Yes for a Healthy Future campaign. In 2019, the State Legislature referred House Bill 2270, which devotes funding raised from an additional tax on rolled cigarettes and a tax on vaping products to the Oregon Health Plan and tobacco prevention and cessation programs, to Oregon voters. It’s on us to hold Big Tobacco accountable and protect 400,000 Oregonians from potentially losing their healthcare by supporting Yes for a Healthy Future. More on this campaign will be forthcoming.
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Task Force on Universal Health Care: A Look Ahead
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The Task Force had to cancel its first meeting on March 30, 2020 due to so many priorities related to the coronavirus; however, the Task Force is still a full three months ahead of the schedule written into the statute. Keep in mind this is a two-year process.
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.
Senator James Manning continues to deliver a strong message about the need for universal health care.
Watch and listen here
.
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New Business Supporter: Revoluci
ó
n Coffee House
(temporarily closed)
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Note: While HCAO is well on its way to adding 100 new business supporters this year, face-to-face interactions have stalled as businesses have had to close their doors for now.
We welcome new business supporter Maria Garcia, owner of
Revolución Coffee House. Centrally located at 1432 SW Jefferson Street, betwee
n City Hall and the PSU campus in downtown Portland, this small business has been serving Mexican fare since 2014. Maria enjoys cultural events and small-business development. The cost and administrative burden of health insurance is a huge barrier to small-business development and employee retention. Like many small businesses, these costs just make it impossible to provide insurance for its 5 employees.
Are you a business owner who supports universal care? If so, please sign up
HERE so HCAO can recognize your business as a supporter on our website and elsewhere.
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Board Member Highlight: Lynda Chick
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The need for Lynda as a caregiver to so many has resulted in her need to resign from the HCAO Board. Lynda's insights into the challenges of Board dynamics will be missed. We are thankful for her service and dedication to the single-payer movement.
Lynda: "I have been honored and humbled to help in this effort to create a single-payer health care system in Oregon."
Lynda has been working in health care since 1996 when she began working in a hospital in Glasgow, Scotland. That was one of her first up-close experiences with a national healthcare system, in which everyone receives health care. Upon returning to the US and becoming an RN, Lynda soon witnessed the health disparities that exist in a system that doesn't value human life enough to provide health care to all. She has been an RN since 2001 and has worked in many different settings from large urban teaching hospitals to youth corrections facilities. Her experience also includes disaster medical relief work and teaching. She is currently serving a four-year term on the Nehalem Bay Health District board and works as a nurse case manager at Tillamook Regional Medical Center.
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HCAO Chapter Highlight: HCAO Marion County
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Engagement Before Physical Distancing
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HCAO Marion County Chapter does extensive community engagement work. The Chapter is chaired by Bill Dalton.
With the Capitol being in Marion County, Chapter volunteers are able to have a presence in the Capitol when needed.
Building and strengthening chapters is essential for achieving HCAO's mission.
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Tentative HCAO Annual Membership Meeting and Conf.
Universal Health Care—Its Impact Across Populations
Sponsored by the Oregon Nurses Association
June 13, 2020
5090 Center Street NE
Salem, OR 97317
Updated Information and Registration:
here
.
THE SHOW IS RESCHEDULED TO AUGUST 22.
Soul Queens and Blues Kings Show
Healing the Health Care Blues
August 22, 2020, 7:30–11:00 pm.
Aladdin Theater
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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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