Pasadena Pediatricians Promote Healthcare Reform This Saturday
By Pasadena Independent
Published: Thursday, June 25th, 2009
Earlier this month Ellin and Harry Lieberman hosted a full house of OFA activists at their home in South Pasadena to discuss healthcare reform. That June 8th meeting sparked lively discussion on types of healthcare reform, with many attendees sharing personal stories of health care and health insurance nightmares. This Saturday marks the widely publicized the rollout of President Obama’s National Health Care Day of Service, part of his Organizing for America program, in which Mr. Obama has called upon legions of grassroots supporters who helped him win the Whitehouse to help once again by hosting and participating in healthcare reform related events all across the country.
The Liebermans, who were instrumental in the local, grassroots campaign last November, are now spearheading this next phase of the movement by hosting another event this Saturday in Pasadena.
According to Dr Ellin Lieberman, this weekend is a chance for Americans to turn the page and move toward meaningful and long overdue health care reform.
“The legislation is being crafted in Congress – both houses. The House of Representatives began their Committee deliberations on June 23rd and will continue until all committees finish crafting and debating their version of the bill, which Mr. Obama has asked congress to pass by no later than July 31. The Senate deadline is less definite but has been moved forward in an effort to speed the reforms requested by the President.
According to the Liebermans, it’s during this period when the public needs to actively participate in the discussion and push forward issues they want considered.
Key elements that are being considered and or already accepted include a provision disallowing insurers from denying coverage due to preexisting conditions, and another allowing portability of insurance coverage for individuals who change jobs.
For those who worry about the costs of a possible government health plan, Dr. Lieberman is quick to respond.
“Currently, we are spending 16.7 % GDP [on health care], and still do not achieve the overall health outcomes comparable to countries which spend less wastefully.
“If nothing is done,” Ms. Lieberman continues, “this percentage will increase as the population ages and the whole system will be in greater jeopardy.”
The Liebermans and other local OFA volunteers say they hope to help people cut through the rhetoric and red tape about the reform proposals and open a discussion about the “real reason” health care costs are so high in the United States.
It’s with all this in mind that the OFA is designating this Saturday “National Healthcare Day of Service.” The group will sponsor healthcare service events all over the country on that day. The events may range from everything as involved as a Red Cross blood drive, free eye exams, community organic gardening, to something as simple as passing out leaflets on healthcare issues.
Organizing for America’s local San Gabriel Valley event will be held this Saturday, June 27th, at the Smart and Final store on Fair Oaks Ave, just north of the 210 freeway.
To find out more about this and hundreds of other SoCal events, visit barackobama.com. There’s a place to pop in your zip code, then view a map of all the events in your area. We will have a link to those search results on our website, as well.
Photographs by Terry Miller
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