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Public Employee Press
Local 768 backs federal bill for a
national health insurance plan
Labor leaders, elected officials and healthcare advocates
joined Harlem residents in their community Sept. 17 for the first annual
March for Health. Participants gathered in front of the Harlem State Office
Building on 125th Street and marched to 135th Street, where they took
part in an all-day health expo that featured fitness demonstrations, cancer
screenings and nutrition lectures.
Harlem Hospital, where many DC 37 members work, was among the sponsors
of the Harlem Health Festival and March.
Darryl Ramsey, president of Health Services Employees Local 768, spoke
at the rally. He addressed the issue of health insurance, urging listeners
to support a national health insurance act sponsored by Congress member
John Conyers Jr. (Dem.-Mich.).
More than 40 million Americans lack health insurance. We need universal
coverage now, said Ramsey.
U.S. Rep. Conyers introduced the U.S. National Health Insurance Act in
2003. The bill would create a publicly financed, privately delivered health
care program that expands and improves the already existing Medicare program
to include all U.S. residents.The goal of the legislation is to guarantee
by law that all Americans have access to high quality, cost-effective
health care, regardless of their employment, income, or health care status.
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