IDAHO HEALTH CARE FOR ALL
(Idaho chapter of Physicians for a National Health Program)
Winter Newsletter 2010
New Year’s greetings to all new members, existing members, physicians, and non-physician supporters of Idaho Health Care for All (IHCFA) and Physicians for a National Health Program (PNHP).
Health care reform continues to be a hot topic in the news and in conversation. Our organization in Idaho and our parent national organization have continued to be very active. Please renew your commitment to single payer financing and health care reform by renewing your membership in IHCFA. Send your tax-deductable check in the amount of $25 payable to Idaho Health Care for All to P.O. Box 44214, Boise, ID 83711. Also, please send us your e-mail address and phone number. This will help us maintain and update our membership database. We also encourage you to join PNHP or renew your membership, which you can do on the PNHP website www.pnhp.org.
Building on the dedication, hard work, and legacy of Dr. Mike Foutz, the immediate past chair, Dr. Greg Thompson and I began serving as co-chairpersons of the steering committee of IHCFA in January 2009. The steering committee meets monthly at 7 a.m. on the first Wednesday at Perkins on Broadway at Front St. We want to acknowledge and thank all members of the steering committee for their faithful, dedicated support and their work to make things happen for IHCFA and single payer. The steering committee members are Gene Barrett (treasurer), Bedford Boston, Bobbie Dennett, Elaine Garris (communications), Mike Garris (webmaster), Mary Ann Hart, Jim Holden (secretary), Gail LeBow, Robbie Leatham, Pam Lewis-O’Conner, Nick Shields-Lundquist, Gary Trakas, Lou Schlickman, and Tara Shields-Lundquist.
Recent Activities
The flurry of activity during the first nine months of the year tapered off a bit as we watched the political wheels turn in Washington. It was distressing to witness the demise of the opportunity for major health care reform and sidelining of single payer financing in favor of preserving the fundamental structure of the health care industry, mandating a windfall for the health insurance companies, reducing Medicare benefits, and still not providing efficient and affordable health care for everyone. Nevertheless, IHCFA steadfastly continued this fall to advocate for the only rational solution, single payer financing through the following highlights:
- A public educational forum on health care reform at St. Luke’s Boise, Sept 9, organized by Dr. Thompson
- A single payer lecture by Dr. Vestal at the BSU Osher Institute course on health care reform, Sept 22
- A debate on health care reform at BSU on Oct 26—Dr. Schlickman won that debate hands down!
- Participation in the Hyde Park Street Fair, Sept 18-20
January 10, 2010
Page 2
- Several local presentations in Boise, Nampa, and Ketchum including a persuasive presentation by Dr. Schlickman to the Canyon County Democrats who voted to support single payer
- Interviews and commentaries aired on Boise State public radio or published in the Boise Weekly and the Idaho Statesman
- Participation in a legislative working group to develop draft legislation that would increase the oversight of Idaho health insurance companies, which may become very important as weaknesses in national policy are exploited in order to preserve profits
As you may recall, last summer there also were several rallies to promote health care reform, and we even had a spot on Idaho Public Television’s show “Dialogue” moderated by Joan Cartan-Hansen. Idaho Health Care for All has been very active in getting the message out about single payer financing for health care, and we thank you for your support.
Winter Quarterly Meeting and Workshop – January 30
In lieu of our traditional quarterly evening meeting and presentation, we encourage and invite all interested IHCFA members and their friends to join the steering committee for a workshop organized and facilitated by Bedford Boston. The workshop will be held from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 30, at the Silverstone Plaza, which is located at the southeast corner of the intersection of Eagle Rd. and I-84. The purpose of the workshop will be to define and plan our mission in light of the pending health care and health insurance reform legislation in Congress, to discuss the development of a legislative initiative for health insurance regulation in Idaho, and review our organizational needs for continued success of IHCFA. More information will be forthcoming via our e-mail listserv and website. We need your help Please join us.
If possible, please RSVP to mailto: bboston@cableone.net
Respectfully,
Robert E. Vestal, M.D.
Co-chair, IHCFA Steering Committee
Idaho Health Care for All
Local Chapter of PNHP
http://iwww.idahohealthcareforall.org/
IHCFA
P.O. Box 44214
Boise, ID 83711-4214
Phone 208-853-3087
Physicians for a National Health Program
29 E Madison Suite 602, Chicago, IL 60602
Phone (312) 782-6006 | Fax: (312) 782-6007
http://iwww.pnhp.org/ | info@pnhp.org