There is currently a movement underway to declare Sunday, August 16, 2009 through Sunday, August 23, 2009 “Single Payer Health Plan Awareness Week” in the U.S.

August 16th has been designated “Single Payer Education Day” where events (forums, lectures, group discussions, panels, films, etc.) focused around gaining full understanding of what an effective Single Payer Health Plan entails will be conducted at the locally organized level. Plans in operation in other countries should be reviewed for how they are financed, how they function effectively, what services they do and do not provide, and what challenges they present. Emphasis on the difference between a Single Payer/Universal Coverage plan and the present “Public Option” Plan should be included.

August 23rd has been selected as “Single Payer Support Day” where people will gather in local, citywide, statewide, countywide, and nationally organized events to show support for adoption of a Single Payer Plan. The week in between should be used to communicate with our representatives in Washington and at their local offices (via email, snail mail, phone calls, IM, etc.) to tell them we DON’T WANT COMPROMISE, WE WANT CHANGE.

This is a grassroots effort. Our future, both medically and financially, depends on you speaking up. So get busy, get the word out on the dates, set up your events, and let our voices be heard that the Medical Economic Complex is not in charge. We the people of the United States are in charge and we need to let our representatives know that WE WANT REAL HEALTH CARE REFORM AND WE WANT IT NOW.