In The News
Isle groups join health care drive
July 10, 2008
Honolulu Star-Bulletin
Newswatch, Star-Bulletin staff and wire service
Concerned Hawaii groups have joined a national coalition of organizations launching a $40 million campaign to improve health care for all Americans.
The goal is “basic access to affordable quality health care,” said the Rev. Bob Nakata, a former state legislator representing Faith Action for Community Equity.
His group was one of six or seven at a news conference yesterday to announce local participation in the national coalition of labor unions, community-based membership groups, women’s groups, doctors, nurses, small businesses and activists.
“The problems are huge,” he said, citing the growing number of unemployed and uninsured; inadequate Medicaid, Medicare and private insurance payments; physicians leaving Hawaii; and hospitals fighting financial losses.
Pat Zukemaura, FACE organizer on Oahu, said, “We’re working in terms of making sure hospitals … stay open.”
He said the local groups aim to get 20,000 signatures on a petition by the end of October to persuade isle candidates for office locally and nationally to support their mission.
Nakata said the Hawaii coalition is hoping $40,000 of the national campaign money will be sent here to help organize a network of unions, community groups, government agencies, legislators and others who want to be involved.
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