Health Care Is a Human Right report

By Tim Munier

The Everybody Institute, which Metro Justice hosted this past May, was a great success and an important step forward in our movement for a universal health-care plan. Over 30 activists came from all corners of the state: NYC, Ithaca, Albany, Olean, Buffalo, and of course Rochester. Benjamin Day, Organizing Director of Healthcare-Now!, and Katie Robbins, organizing director of PNHP’s NYC Metro Chapter, led workshops on topics ranging from the fallout of the Affordable Care Act, legislative strategy, targeting the insurance industry and mobilizing labor. Deb Richter, a leader of Vermont’s campaign for a universal health-care plan, gave an update on the exciting progress they are making as they get closer to 2017 when Green Mountain Care can be fully implemented.

At the end of the day we came together and discussed how we can turn our energy and ideas into concrete action. There was a lot of enthusiasm about holding community “town-hall” style forums where people could discuss their concerns regarding the Affordable Care Act. Moderators from Metro Justice and our allies around the state will lead the discussion and provide info about the alternative, New York Health (A.5389A/S.2078A), a bill that would establish a universal health-care plan here in New York. Through these forums, we hope to recruit more people into our movement and strengthen our organizing efforts.

By connecting activists from upstate to the strong activist network downstate, Metro Justice is playing an important role in building a stronger statewide movement. If you want to win a universal health-care plan, please consider getting involved in this crucial moment of our struggle for health-care justice. Email [email protected] for more information on how you can get involved in our movements.