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There is universal acknowledgement that our health care system is broken and that we are not getting value for our health care dollars. The public demand for change has been demonstrated in Oregon by the election of Representatives and Senators who prioritized health care reform in their campaigns this fall, and the ouster of those who fought against improving access, quality and affordability. Oregonians showed up in droves to tell the Oregon Health Fund Board we are ready for change. The Oregon Legislature will have an incredible opportunity this spring to pass a package of reforms that can improve the lives of Oregonians struggling with health care costs, and provide a boost to our state economy. The political will is building, as demonstrated by Representative Greenlick?s legislation to implement the Health Fund Board?s recommendations, but the citizens of Oregon will need to continue to put the pressure on our elected officials in 2009 and ensure that they make health care their first priority. Simply put, health care reform should be job #1 of the Oregon Legislature, and their work this session will be judged by their success or failure. A grassroots movement can provide a substantial presence at the Capitol this session, and telling our health care stories will help keep a human face on the health care crisis. I personally got involved in working on health reform after being rejected for health insurance for an inaccurate diagnosis by the insurance company (not my doctor!) and realizing how sick the system really is. I now work with a statewide organization, Oregonians for Health Security, which coordinates grassroots efforts to change the health care system. Anyone listening to this show that would like to get more involved with the citizen movement for health reform should visit our website www.oregoniansforhealthsecurity.org and sign up for email updates and share your story.

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