HCAO News, Events, and Actions for July, 2021

Everybody In! Nobody Out!

News, Events, and Actions

HCAO Annual Virtual Membership Meeting a Success

Featuring a Welcome by Senator Deb Patterson

Sponsored by the Oregon Nurses Association

HCAO Members from across the state gathered virtually on 6/12/21. Senator Deb Patterson stepped in for Senator Manning due to the sudden passing of Lawanda Manning. (Lawanda Manning was a true supporter of this movement.) Sen. Patterson reviewed both the progress of access being made and the the priority of getting to a universal healthcare system. Making sure the Task Force could continue its work was identified as essential.

HCAO Members approved an important step in our intersectionality work with the adoption of a revised mission: "The purpose of HCAO is to educate about and advocate for an equitable, affordable, comprehensive, high-quality publicly funded universal healthcare system that will improve the lives of individuals, families and communities across Oregon and throughout the United States."

Newly elected Board Members at Large are Deren Ash of LaPine, Michael Collins of Warm Springs, and Theresa Kohlhoff of Lake Oswego. Re-elected are President Tom Sincic, VP Valdez Bravo, Secretary Mark Lindgren, and Member at Large Mary Lou Hennrich. Find the entire HCAO Board here.

Recipients of the HCAO "You Rock" Volunteer Awards are Rick Staggenborg, Christa Buckland, and Ruth Jensen. Thanks to these three and all who have been volunteering their time to advance the HCAO mission.

In case you missed them.

Beating the Shortage: Solutions to Oregon’s Mental Health Workforce Woes.

On the Brink: Oregon’s Looming Crisis of Housing & Support for Older Adults.

A single payer universal health care system could really help redirect resources.

Healthcare--Certainly Not Guaranteed

For so many reasons

Edie Orner of Albany writes compelling LTE on lessons from Covid. Read it here.

Oregon Will Start Purging 200,000 From Medicaid Rolls Next Summer (Lund Report)

How about the possibility of roughly 200,000 people losing their Medicaid next year after the currently waived federal income restrictions end?

How will the increase in minimum wage impact eligibility for Medicaid?

As people regain employment, how will the usual waiting periods to get on employee sponsored insurance leave working people uninsured?

Under a single payer universal healthcare system these questions would not arise. Everyone would be guaranteed regardless of employment or income status.

How about writing a letter to the editor to express your thoughts.

(list of newspapers)

Special Webinar with Les Leopold

July 10 Register Today

A Dedicated Pair Builds Community Awareness in Imbler

Old Blue shows up for freedom in Imbler, Oregon

Shouts out Health Care for All Oregon from both sides

Despite sweltering temperatures, HCAO member Cheryl Campbell and husband, Brian, decorated “Old Blue” and participated in their hometown’s 4th of July parade.

Imbler was the only community in Union County to hold a parade on the 4th. Thanks to the Campbells for bringing awareness of HCAO to their community.

It only takes one or two dedicated people to make a difference. Volunteer at https://www.hcao.org/volunteer

HOPE Amendment (SJR 12) Takes Next Step to 2022 Vote

SJR 12 (the HOPE Amendment to declare access to health care as a right) was officially filed with the Secretary of State on 6/8/2021 as IRR 401 and awaits a proposed ballot title and number. More information will be forth coming on the campaign ahead. HOPE you will be prepared to do get involved.

HCAO Rogue Valley Chapter gets out for Juneteenth

HCAO volunteers showed up at the Juneteenth event in Medford to bring awareness and gain support for the movement for health equity.

HCAO recognizes that July 4, 1776 created freedom for only the select few. The struggles for equity continue with equity in healthcare now being front and center.

"Racism as a Public Health Crisis" passed the the Oregon House as HR 6. Advocates know that a declaration is not enough. Resources must follow. Read statement from the Oregon Health Equity Task Force, "Moving Beyond Declarative Advocacy and Centering the Voices of Communities of Color."

Oregon voters will have a chance to bring us another step closer in November of 2022 when access to healthcare as a right will be on the ballot.

SB 428 Task Force Extension Passes

Community Must be Heard--Submit Testimony

SB 428 (to continue the Task Force on Universal Health Care) has passed the legislature and now awaits the Governor's signature. An essential equitable public engagement process as called for in the original bill now must be the focus.

From "Costly Silence": "It should therefore come as no surprise that our health care system fails our communities when there is no plan for determining what are needs are.... It is time to give our communities a voice."

Remind the Task Force know how important community engagement through your personal testimony. Here are the links you need.

The Task Force has taken an important step forward by submitting a letter to Senator Wyden, Chair of the Senator Finance Committee, requesting the Senator to push for waivers which would provide significant help in getting funding for a state-based system.

For assistance, contact:

Zainab Alidina, HCAO Legislative Chair (legislative@hcao.org) or

Tom Sincic, HCAO President (president@hcao.org).

Your Financial Support Is Needed

HCAO's ability to educate about and advocate for universal healthcare is possible ONLY because of YOU.

Monthly Sustainers and Individual Memberships are the cornerstone of our organization's stability. Don't forget to renew your membership.
One-time cash gifts in any amount really help, too!
There are also Other Ways to Give to HCAO.
Help HCAO when you shop, using AmazonSmile and Fred Meyer Community Rewards.

For further information and questions, contact Linda Alband (operations@hcao.org).

Please become a member, make an additional contribution, or volunteer.

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