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News, Events, and Actions
JTFUHC Issues Final Report
The JTFUHC gave compelling reasons for carrying the single payer universal care work forward under a permanent Governance Board. The high costs and inequities in the system are captured in this message from the report:
"Too many Oregonians endure unequal access, varied care
quality, and wide-ranging outcomes because of race, age, income, geography, or insurance. High health care costs generate debt and bankruptcy for many Oregonians."

It will now be up to a very changed legislature to act on the recommendations. Now is the time to bring your voice to your legislators and/or legislative candidates. See below.


From the Lund Report by HCAO President Tom Sincic
Can't open? Click here.
Elections Matter! Know the Candidates. Get Involved!

  • Find the elections in your area by putting in the address at Ballotpedia.
  • Find the candidates.
  • Go to their website to see what they say about the issues.
  • Contact the candidates to say what is important to you.
  • Support those that support issues that you care about including universal health care.
To register to vote or to update your registration go the State of Oregon Elections.
Why We Exist--Another Tragic Story of Medical Debt.
From KHN: "Penny Wingard of Charlotte, North Carolina, has survived breast cancer, a brain aneurysm, and surgery on both eyes. For the past eight years, she's been battling tens of thousands of dollars in medical debt.... 'It’s like you’re being punished for being sick,' Wingard said." Read the story.

These stories are all too common. Now is the time to speak out about the failed insurance based complexity referred to as a "healthcare system". Share this newsletter and ask others in your circle to add their name in support at hcao.org.
The "Right to Health Care" Campaign
Measure 111--Update
The Right to Health Care Campaign is in final month. Care Oregon, the Oregon Food Bank, the Oregon Affiliate of the American College of Nurse Midwives, and the Oregon State Council of Retired Citizens have endorsed. Check out the list of now 46 diverse organizational supporters here.

Inform everyone in your circle and network that the Right to Health Care Measure 111 is on the ballot this November and to vote in 2022.
HCAO' Garden Party for H.O.P.E
Auction Time
Home Brew
Rep Prusak
At Bella Madrona Gardens in Sherwood on Sept. 18

The event featured gorgeous gardens; a Mexican buffet with wine and beer; live music by Dr. Bruce Goldberg’s R&B HomeBrew Band; an auction; and special guest Rep. Rachel Prusak. There was an inspiring update on the movement for universal healthcare by HCAO board member, Dr. Tony Germann.

We want to thank sponsor OCHIN and all who attended and gave generously to support our effort.
HCAO Board Connects with Union County
The HCAO Board traveled to LaGrande for a board retreat and an open to the public community engagement on Oct. 1. The community interaction involved a presentation with interactive discussion followed by board members connecting with community members with one to one conversations. And there was dancing to the music of Holly and the Health Care Ramblers. The event was advertised in and highlighted in a LaGrande Observer story. Check out the message and response of attendees in this short video.

The board was well received as the HCAO Union County Chapter volunteers gave it their all in setting up this opportunity. The HCAO Board is grateful for their efforts to advance the HCAO mission. A special thanks to Kate Pfister-Minogue for setting up this conversation and event.
Medicare Advantage--Profit Center
From Democracy Now: "Health Insurance Whistleblower: Medicare Advantage Is “Heist” by Private Firms to Defraud the Public"
Great Time to Send Letters to the Editor (LTE's)
You Can Write One!

Step into action. Write your own LTE. Get your personal message out in this fight for universal healthcare. Here is how. (list of newspapers)

Story sharing is another 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
The work 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!