5,000 March for Health Care Reform in Seattle

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June 1, 2009 -- A broad coalition of of almost 200 labor groups, community groups, civic organizations, grassroots organizations, women's organizations and immigrant groups participated in the May 30 Health Care For All - Mothers Leading the Way March and Rally. Some estimates put the number of participants as high as 5,000.

Sen. Patty Murray kicked off the march at Pratt Park and Rep. Jim McDermott addressed the crowd at Westlake Plaza after the march.

Now is the time for health care reform. Tens of thousands of people die every year in this country because of a lack of health coverage. Countless others struggle under crushing medical debt or suffer through treatable illnesses. People of color, particularly African Americans, Native Americans, and Latinos, face poorer health outcomes and are less likely to have health coverage.

Health care reform won’t happen without a grassroots movement. President Obama has repeated what FDR said when he was being lobbied to pass some of the progressive social programs of the New Deal: “Make me do it.”

Major marches and rallies have influenced policy makers throughout the history of our country. and now is the time to demonstrate the will of the people and raise the demand for quality, affordable health care for all.

States around the country will be holding events throughout April and May that build to a June 25th national event with tens of thousands of people in Washington D.C.

Mothers Leading the Way: The mother's theme puts forward a powerful message that connects people across communities to the fight for national health care reform. The march is for everyone – not for mothers only! But the theme is important because regardless of a person’s personal connection to motherhood, highlighting mothers highlights the impact the health care system has on our families and on our communities.

Meanwhile, the median expense paid by women under 45 years old using high‑deductible health plans is $1266-$800 more than it is for men. A year ago, 74.6 percent of health care workers in America identified as women. And while we recognize that not all women are mothers, women as mothers play a significant role in their families’ health care, with 8 in 10 mothers taking on the chief responsibility for their children’s health care.

Click below to watch a video of the march.



Courtesy: Washington State Labor Council


News Coverage:
Seattle Times
Seattle PI.com

More info:
May 30 March for Health Care

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