Here is the email sent out by Healthy Washington Coalition chair Robby Stern following a health care forum on July 1st:
Last night's Caucus in Tacoma exceeded our expectations. Organizers found ourselves pulling chairs out of th convenient storage room as the 150 seats that had been set up proved to be insufficient. All seats were filled(except a couple in front; for some reason, many people don't like the front row!) and people were standing around the wonderful hall provided to us by Temple Beth El. There were more than 200 people
and maybe as many as 250.
The program was appreciated by those in attendance. Dr. Jeff Smith set the context with his presentation of the problem; Damiana Merryweather explained the legislative process that is underway and how the Coalition is moving forward and Yunhee Choi told her story of having to choose between higher education and health care. Then more than 30 participants expressed their views on the most important values that should serve as a foundation for a reformed health care system. The participant speeches were thoughtful, moving and appreciated by those in attendance. All the values are important but the top four proved to be:
- Cover everyone
- Eliminate disparities in access to health care & in health outcomes based on factors such as income, ethnicity, & job status
- Assure the cost of health care and prescriptions is affordable
- Assure access to care in a way that meets people's needs
America In Solidarity's Todd Iverson then delivered an impassioned Call to Action and the attendees responded enthusiastically. Many people stayed around after the meeting was adjourned to continue talking and feel the strength that comes from a community determined to change our health care system.
Yakima is next on July 15 and then Spokane on July 29. We are excited to travel east of the mountains to hear from and talk with these communities. We have many friends and allies in these communities. We are, after all, one state and we will only solve this crisis if we work together.
