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FIRST LEADERSHIP FORUM |
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On Sunday, February 24th more than 70 dedicated health care reformers convened at the Coalition's Leadership Forum. Participants included representatives from the Coalition's member organizations and partners; Delegates William Frick and Susan Lee (District 16) and Heather Mizeur (District 20); and Karen McManus and Ann Humphrey from Congressman Chris Van Hollen's office; as well as new Coalition friends.
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Anne Kasper, the Coalition's Chair, opened the proceedings after a festive brunch. Dr. Kasper described the Coalition's growth trajectory from a group of eight women at its first meeting just two years ago to an organization of over 40 women's organizations and a membership of over 160,000 today. She cited the Coalition's overall mission |
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| to bring access to high-quality, affordable health care to every Maryland resident. And, went on to discuss the Coalition's legislative focus for this year – Cover All Kids-100%. Dr. Kasper noted that some 140,000 children in Maryland are without health coverage. Of these, some 90,000 kids are eligible for but not enrolled in the care they are entitled to. This is unacceptable in the wealthiest state in the nation. |
Delegate Heather Mizeur, who serves on the House Health and Government Operations Committee, then described in detail the three bills she has introduced to address these 90,000 kids: HB 1391, HB 1404, HB 1406. Delegate Mizeur also thanked the Coalition for its grassroots efforts. Dr. Kasper then rallied the audience to become active Health Care Reformers by signing up for one of the Coalition's advocacy teams.
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Dr. Susan F. Wood, the Forum's keynote speaker, then provided a picture of the politicization of science at the Federal level based upon her former position as Assistant Commissioner for Women's health and Director of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Office of Women's Health. Dr. Wood is today a Research Professor at the George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services.
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The Forum concluded with a lively discussion that underscored the interest in, and complexities of, providing access to health care to all of Maryland 's residents. |
- The Coalition wishes to express particular thanks to:
Those who helped to organize the event – Tim and Phyllis Alexander, Resa Levy and Toba Penny – and Doug Behr, who designed the Cover All Kids campaign button and the Forum program. Thanks to Judi Levin who also helped out. Click to receive your own button. A donation of $1.50 is requested.
- All those who participated in the Forum and who support its efforts. Their financial support will enable the Coalition to immediately expand its educational and outreach efforts.
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