HCAO June 2021 Newsletter

Everybody In! Nobody Out!

News, Events, and Actions

HCAO Annual Virtual Membership Meeting

June 12, 2021

Sponsored by the Oregon Nurses Association

Featuring a Welcome by Senator James Manning

Become a Member or Renew Today!

Still Time to Register

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

A Message from Members of the 2020-21 HCAO Board of Directors

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

June 10, 10:00am

(no need to travel)

It is a no-brainer to say that housing needs are essential part of maintaining health. Register here

In case you missed it. Racism as a Public Health Crisis: From Declaration to Action

No Surprise: Small Co-Pays Can be Deadly

Insurers put the squeeze on everyone

Check out "Death and debt by deductibles" by Wendell Potter.

"Millions of Americans are not going to the doctor or picking up prescriptions. Insurers LOVE that. It’s far fewer claims to pay! It’s why, when many other businesses went belly up during COVID-19, insurers made record profits: medical treatment was less accessible."

Read the article

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

(list of newspapers)

Great News: HOPE Amendment (SJR 12) Goes to Voters

See the current sign-on statement with supporters.

SJR 12 (the HOPE Amendment to declare access to health care as a right) was signed by the Senate President and the Speaker of the House and filed with the Secretary of State on 5/26. It is will now be on the ballot in 2022. More information will be forth coming on the campaign ahead. HOPE you will be prepared to do get involved.

HCAO Chapters Out in Community Again

HCAO Lane County promotes State Based Universal Health Care

above: Susan inspires

below: post rally chat

Monica Explains

The SBUHC of 2021 has now been introduced as H.R.3775 with messages from:

Senator James Manning--efforts in Oregon on a healthcare system for all;

Jacob Trewe (HCAO volunteer & DSA member)--keeping it simple;

Monica Beilski Boris (AFSCME organizer)--employer based care is not the answer;

Susan Blevins (ESSN)--the complexities and hardships of the current system;

Congressman Peter DeFazio--the need for H.R.3775.

HCAO Union County Chapter back in the community

HCAO Union County volunteers engaged at local farmer's market to build awareness and gain support for the movement. They plan to have a monthly presence.

HCAO Union County Chapter volunteers prepare to join the Eastern Oregon Live Stock Show Parade this Friday, June 12.

SB 428 Task Force Extension Moves Forward

Community Must be Heard--Submit Testimony

SB 428 (to continue the Task Force on Universal Health Care) passed the Human Services Subcommittee on 6/9 and is moving toward a likely vote of approval. 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.

For assistance, contact:

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

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

HCAO Business Supporter Highlight: Highgate Farm Products

Rod and Patricia have the family farm near Mollala to produce and sell Highgate Farm Products.

Rod says: "Too many people are going without."

Particia says: "Health care is a human right!

Visitors welcome on Saturdays 10am-12pm call ahead no text. 503-829-4844

32854 S Dryland Rd, Molalla, OR 97038