Health system reform event: news release

MEDICAL BANKRUPTCY—HEALTH CARE DEBT EVENT Wednesday, December 2nd, Noon   LEARN: LOCAL AGENCIES WILL DESCRIBE THE DEVASTATING IMPACTS OF HEALTH CARE BANKRUPTCY ON FAMILIES IN THE PEORIA AREA TO THE MEDIA AND THE PUBLIC   SPEAK OUT: THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO DISCUSS AND RECEIVE INFORMATION ABOUT LOCAL AGENCY SERVICES   At Noon, Wednesday December 2nd at the Contemporary Art Center, 305 SW Water St., Peoria (parking across the street and elevator to second floor), seven local Peoria agencies and individuals will speak out about the devastating impact that medical bankruptcy and debt has on area families.   YWCA of Peoria-- Pam Schubach, Executive Director.   Alzheimer's Association, Central Illinois Chapter -- Alisha Dault- Patient and Family Services Coordinator.   Mental Health Association of Illinois Valley  --  Katie Jones, Executive Director.   Peoria Friendship House of Christian Service -- Barb Hartnett, Executive Director   Liz Ann Gray, with a personal family story.   American Diabetes Association, Professional Representative   Campaign for Better Health Care --  Jim Duffett, Executive Director and Josie Underwood, Downstate Coordinator, as facilitator.   At this time when we have historic health care reform legislation before our U. S. Congress and Senate, we urge the public and media to share their concerns at this public event and news conference.  We know that about ten percent of individuals in our area are uninsured.  Nationally in 2007, about 62% of all bankruptcies were medical bankruptcies.   The Campaign for Better Health Care wants to inform the public about the real impact of the current health care system on people and the organizations that serve them.  We must all contact our elected representatives and urge them to pass real health care reform.   Join your friends and neighbors at Noon on December 2nd, to send a message to our elected representatives that it is time to stop playing politics and solve the health care crisis.   For more information contact:  Joyce Harant, 309-648-3035; jharant@cbhconline.org     Campaign for Better Health Care Central/Statewide 44 East Main St., Suite 414 Champaign, IL 61820-3642 (v) 217-352-5600 (f) 217-352-5688 e-mail: cbhc-cu@cbhconline.org Chicago 1325 S. Wabash, Suite 305 Chicago, IL 60605-2504 (v) 312-913-9449 (f) 312-913-9559 e-mail: cbhc-chi@cbhconline.org Helpline 1-888-544-8271 Website: www.cbhconline.org