Next week, members of the U.S. Congress are expected to return to Washington, D.C., where they will continue their work on healthcare reform and many other issues.
Just to ensure they don't forget about their constituents' support for meaningful healthcare reform, Volunteers For Change-Fresno and a number of other organizations will be hosting a Congressional Send-Off demonstration, scheduled 4:30-6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1, at the Amtrak station in downtown Fresno.
While there is no indication any of our Representatives or Senators will actually attend, the intent is to hold a live, positive demonstration reminding our representatives that we support meaningful healthcare reform with a strong public option. As such, participants are invited to bring signs, chants and energy to devote to this effort. We've also invited the media to cover us live during the 5 p.m. news hour, so please feel free to wear your Obama flair and gear. The more we have, the merrier we'll be. And prepare to be videotaped.
The tone of this event is to be supportive and positive about healthcare reform, not to be negative about the positions of any of our representatives. So please, leave the Lipton, the 'Blue Dog bones' and any other such negative reinforcement at home.
Want to attend? RSVP on Organizing For America's sign-up page. We hope to see you Tuesday!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Sunday, August 23, 2009
President Obama's weekly address:
Myths and morality in healthcare reform
From our friends at Whitehouse.gov:
In his weekly address, President Obama debunks the myths around health insurance reform, and discusses the public option proposal in which many of them are rooted -- but he focuses his address on the stark moral and historical turning point at which we find ourselves.
If the viewscreen above is not visible, you can view President Obama's weekly address on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ityPz0IML1Y.
In his weekly address, President Obama debunks the myths around health insurance reform, and discusses the public option proposal in which many of them are rooted -- but he focuses his address on the stark moral and historical turning point at which we find ourselves.
"This is our chance to march forward. I cannot promise you that the reforms we seek will be perfect or make a difference overnight. But I can promise you this: if we pass health insurance reform, we will look back many years from now and say, this was the moment we summoned what’s best in each of us to make life better for all of us. This was the moment we built a health care system worthy of the nation and the people we love. This was the moment we earned our place alongside the greatest generations. And that is what our generation of Americans is called to do right now."
If the viewscreen above is not visible, you can view President Obama's weekly address on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ityPz0IML1Y.
Food bank still 50 volunteers short for emergency food distribution Tuesday in Mendota
This just arrived from our friend Wes Dodd at Hands On CenCal:
We need a lot of help in Mendota this Tuesday, Aug. 25. We are at least 50 volunteers short for the afternoon shift from 1-6. If we continue to struggle we will have to shut down the distribution for the afternoon and would have to turn away a lot more than 500 families.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Folks can volunteer by calling Hands On Central California at 559-237-3101, or by sending an e-mail message to vols4disaster@handsoncentralcal.org.
Thanks again, V4CF, for your help in getting out the message during this difficult time.
We need a lot of help in Mendota this Tuesday, Aug. 25. We are at least 50 volunteers short for the afternoon shift from 1-6. If we continue to struggle we will have to shut down the distribution for the afternoon and would have to turn away a lot more than 500 families.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Folks can volunteer by calling Hands On Central California at 559-237-3101, or by sending an e-mail message to vols4disaster@handsoncentralcal.org.
Thanks again, V4CF, for your help in getting out the message during this difficult time.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Short on volunteers, local food bank turning away some in need. Help needed now!
From our member Patience Milrod:
My husband came home tonight from a CropWalk meeting, at which Dana Wilkie, executive director of the Fresno Food Bank, reported that today -- just today! -- the Food Bank had to turn away 500 people because there weren't enough volunteers to hand out the food.
This hit me pretty hard. They had the food, but they didn't have the volunteers. 500 people!
I wonder... can we get more of our V4CF members out there to help? Dana told us people can volunteer by calling Hands On Central California at 559-237-3101, or by sending an e-mail message to vols4disaster@handsoncentralcal.org. They need volunteers for the following shifts:
Thanks for the information, Patience! Let's Be the Change and do this!
My husband came home tonight from a CropWalk meeting, at which Dana Wilkie, executive director of the Fresno Food Bank, reported that today -- just today! -- the Food Bank had to turn away 500 people because there weren't enough volunteers to hand out the food.
This hit me pretty hard. They had the food, but they didn't have the volunteers. 500 people!
I wonder... can we get more of our V4CF members out there to help? Dana told us people can volunteer by calling Hands On Central California at 559-237-3101, or by sending an e-mail message to vols4disaster@handsoncentralcal.org. They need volunteers for the following shifts:
- 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; and
- 1-5 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
Thanks for the information, Patience! Let's Be the Change and do this!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
The details on President Obama's
healthcare reform guarantees
Yes, Volunteers For Change-Fresno remains nonpartisan. But we thought it informative to share this note from Kate Folmar, Communications Director for the California Democratic Party.
Titled 'President Obama’s Eight Health Insurance Reform Guarantees,' the note explains what is included in the President's healthcare reform plan.
#1- No Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions
In the past three years, 12.6 million of Americans were discriminated against because of a pre-existing condition, which could include anything from diabetes, to chronic asthma, to bi-polar disorder. Millions who want health insurance but can’t get it because insurance companies are allowed to deny coverage and cherry-pick their customers, leaving people who need insurance the most out of the system.
Health insurance reform will prohibit insurance companies from denying coverage based on a pre-existing condition.
#2- No Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or Co-Pays
Right now there is no set limit on the amount your insurance company can charge you for out-of-pocket expenses, deductibles and co-pays. High costs make it harder - even for people who have good insurance - to actually use their coverage.
Health insurance reform will require insurance companies to abide by yearly caps when it comes to how much they are allowed to charge for out-of-pocket expenses.
#3- No Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care
Right now when you go to the doctor for a check up or to get a standard test, like a mammogram, the patient pays a fee (a co-payment). Even if you have good insurance, co-pays of $15 or $20 or $25 a visit can add up fast. Many people skip regular check ups and delay standard tests because they are too pricey, even though preventative care is one of the best ways to catch health issues before they become more serious.
Health insurance reform will require insurance companies to FULLY COVER preventative care. That means you don’t pay a dime for your yearly check up.
#4- No Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill
Right now there’s no law stopping insurance companies from watering-down your coverage or dumping you all together if you get sick. That means if you fall ill with cancer, diabetes or heart disease, your health insurance provider can abandon you just when you need the help the most.
Health insurance reform will prohibit insurance companies from dropping coverage when you get sick.
#5- No Gender Discrimination
Right now - unbelievably - insurance companies are permitted to discriminate on the basis of gender. Usually that means women in America pay more for health insurance than men.
Health insurance reform will prohibit that practice. Men and woman pay the same price for the same plan - no ifs, ands or buts.
#6- No Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage
Right now your insurance company has the power to limit the amount of coverage you can receive per year, or over the course of your lifetime. So, for example, if you hit your coverage “limit” in November, but break your ankle in December, you might be out of luck. Talk about rationing care!
Health insurance reform will prevent insurance companies from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you receive. If you have insurance, and you need medical treatment, you’ll be able to access it - no matter what.
#7- Extended Coverage for Young Adults
Right now under most plans the day your child turns 18 is the day you - as a parent - lose the ability guarantee your child access to health insurance. That’s why young people are among the largest uninsured groups in America. Your son or daughter is more vulnerable than ever, just as they strike out in the world.
Health insurance reform will make children eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.
#8- Guaranteed Insurance Renewal
Right now if you switch jobs or become ill - right around the time your plan is set to renew or expire - an insurance company is allowed to terminate your coverage.
Health insurance reform will require insurance companies to renew any policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in full - and they won’t be allowed to refuse renewal if the holder becomes ill.
V4CFers: What are your thoughts on this? Please leave us your thoughts by clicking the 'Comments' link below.
Titled 'President Obama’s Eight Health Insurance Reform Guarantees,' the note explains what is included in the President's healthcare reform plan.
#1- No Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions
In the past three years, 12.6 million of Americans were discriminated against because of a pre-existing condition, which could include anything from diabetes, to chronic asthma, to bi-polar disorder. Millions who want health insurance but can’t get it because insurance companies are allowed to deny coverage and cherry-pick their customers, leaving people who need insurance the most out of the system.
Health insurance reform will prohibit insurance companies from denying coverage based on a pre-existing condition.
#2- No Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or Co-Pays
Right now there is no set limit on the amount your insurance company can charge you for out-of-pocket expenses, deductibles and co-pays. High costs make it harder - even for people who have good insurance - to actually use their coverage.
Health insurance reform will require insurance companies to abide by yearly caps when it comes to how much they are allowed to charge for out-of-pocket expenses.
#3- No Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care
Right now when you go to the doctor for a check up or to get a standard test, like a mammogram, the patient pays a fee (a co-payment). Even if you have good insurance, co-pays of $15 or $20 or $25 a visit can add up fast. Many people skip regular check ups and delay standard tests because they are too pricey, even though preventative care is one of the best ways to catch health issues before they become more serious.
Health insurance reform will require insurance companies to FULLY COVER preventative care. That means you don’t pay a dime for your yearly check up.
#4- No Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill
Right now there’s no law stopping insurance companies from watering-down your coverage or dumping you all together if you get sick. That means if you fall ill with cancer, diabetes or heart disease, your health insurance provider can abandon you just when you need the help the most.
Health insurance reform will prohibit insurance companies from dropping coverage when you get sick.
#5- No Gender Discrimination
Right now - unbelievably - insurance companies are permitted to discriminate on the basis of gender. Usually that means women in America pay more for health insurance than men.
Health insurance reform will prohibit that practice. Men and woman pay the same price for the same plan - no ifs, ands or buts.
#6- No Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage
Right now your insurance company has the power to limit the amount of coverage you can receive per year, or over the course of your lifetime. So, for example, if you hit your coverage “limit” in November, but break your ankle in December, you might be out of luck. Talk about rationing care!
Health insurance reform will prevent insurance companies from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you receive. If you have insurance, and you need medical treatment, you’ll be able to access it - no matter what.
#7- Extended Coverage for Young Adults
Right now under most plans the day your child turns 18 is the day you - as a parent - lose the ability guarantee your child access to health insurance. That’s why young people are among the largest uninsured groups in America. Your son or daughter is more vulnerable than ever, just as they strike out in the world.
Health insurance reform will make children eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.
#8- Guaranteed Insurance Renewal
Right now if you switch jobs or become ill - right around the time your plan is set to renew or expire - an insurance company is allowed to terminate your coverage.
Health insurance reform will require insurance companies to renew any policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in full - and they won’t be allowed to refuse renewal if the holder becomes ill.
V4CFers: What are your thoughts on this? Please leave us your thoughts by clicking the 'Comments' link below.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Rep. Devin Nunes hosting a healthcare town hall tomorrow, Aug. 20
From the Fresno Bee:
Rep. Devin Nunes R-Visalia (21st CD) will hold a healthcare reform meeting scheduled 8-10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 20 in the lecture hall adjacent to the library at Clovis East High School, 2940 Leonard Ave, in Clovis.
Parking is available on Donner Ave or in lots accessed from Donner Ave. Seating will be on a first-come first seated basis.
For more information, call (559) 733-3861.
Here is our chance to hear what he has to say and perhaps, if enough of us show up, give him a bit of pause that the valley is not all right wing.
We need to be there to politely, and I honestly stress the word politely, correct his misconceptions about health care. It is very important that we hold the moral high ground at this town hall. That means being very calm in the face of a barrage of insults from right wing tea party protesters. That means turning the other cheek repeatedly. That means not even putting your hand in the face of a tea party protester to ask them politely to get out of yours. They will walk into your hand and say that you hit them.
Nayamin recommends getting there absolutely no later than 7 a.m. Hope to see you there!
Rep. Devin Nunes R-Visalia (21st CD) will hold a healthcare reform meeting scheduled 8-10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 20 in the lecture hall adjacent to the library at Clovis East High School, 2940 Leonard Ave, in Clovis.
Parking is available on Donner Ave or in lots accessed from Donner Ave. Seating will be on a first-come first seated basis.
For more information, call (559) 733-3861.
Here is our chance to hear what he has to say and perhaps, if enough of us show up, give him a bit of pause that the valley is not all right wing.
We need to be there to politely, and I honestly stress the word politely, correct his misconceptions about health care. It is very important that we hold the moral high ground at this town hall. That means being very calm in the face of a barrage of insults from right wing tea party protesters. That means turning the other cheek repeatedly. That means not even putting your hand in the face of a tea party protester to ask them politely to get out of yours. They will walk into your hand and say that you hit them.
Nayamin recommends getting there absolutely no later than 7 a.m. Hope to see you there!
Back To School Health Fair a great success
Sending out a big "Thank You!" to the 26 volunteers who showed up for the 7th Annual Back To School Health Fair Event hosted by the West Fresno Health Care Coalition. Another big "Thank You!" goes out to all those who donated backpacks or money for the purchase of school supplies.
More than 1,400 children received backpacks filled with school supplies, 53 of which were donated by V4CF. Next year, our goal will be to donate 100 backpacks to this event. Families that attended the events received information and free health screening from the various health-related organizations that participated in the event. In addition to providing the West Fresno Health Care Coalition with volunteers, we hosted a booth where kids played with Play-Doh and enjoyed coloring and hula-hooping.
Thanks to the your generosity, more than 1,400 kids will have a great start to the new school year!
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