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Uptown Progressives is is an open and inclusive community organized to protect the democratic process, promote social justice, and engage citizens in encouraging principled leadership.
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Uptown Progressives is a member organization in the Coalition of Democratic and Progressive Organizations.
All people need and deserve high quality, accessible, affordable and publicly accountable health care.
Background
Millions of Americans and Ohioans are suffering and dying because they lack access to health care as well as preventive services, prescription drugs, vision, dental and mental health care. More Americans than ever do not have health insurance. Persons of color are even less likely to have health care coverage and receive needed care. As costs continue to rise, employers are dropping coverage or are shifting costs to employees. Health care costs now cause approximately 1/2 of personal bankruptcies. The current health care system is broken, filled with waste and excess profits.
Recommendations
UP believes all local, state and national policy makers should make access to affordable health care for all citizens a top priority. UP supports adoption of national single payer health coverage and urges policy makers to take steps towards this goal.
How can we address and reform health care policy in Ohio and in the United States?
That was the question of the evening on the first anniversary of the founding of Uptown Progressives, November 30, 2005. A panel of three speakers and over twenty members explored some of the current issues facing public health care in the U. S. Our first informational forum was held at the Whetstone Public Library.
Dr. Alice Faryna from Single Payer Action Network Ohio (SPAN) described how and why SPAN Ohio is working for reform of health care by advocating for universal health care under a single payer mode. She showed that between 1970 and 2002, the number of health care administrators has increased by over 2500%, while the number of doctors has grown by less than 200 %.
Cathy Levine of Universal Health Care Action Network of Ohio gave a vivid account of the efforts of her grassroots organization to promote affordable, quality health care for all. She realistically assessed the forces resisting change and considered possible ways to approach health care reform. She suggested that public forums on the issues might be the most effective tool to educate the public and gain support. She also recognized that the process would, by necessity, be a slow one.
Vann Seawell brought the perspective of organized labor and the employer to the discussion. He represents the Ohio State Council of UNITE HERE, the merger of the Union of Needle Trades, Industrial and Textile Employees and Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees International Union. Looking at who foots the bill for health care in different scenarios was instructive. In planning how to achieve a viable health care system, it is essential to recognize the needs of all the players. Seawell pointed out the problems of the small employer as well as the exploited employee.
Uptown Progressives continues its efforts to engage the public in the democratic ideal that gives many people working together power to make a difference. The next meeting of the Uptown Progressives will be on Monday, January 23, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. at the Whetstone Branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library.