AFSCME's Highway to Health Care Bus Stops in Fargo/Moorhead
Over 100 union members from Fargo/Moorhead rallied for health care reform now as AFSCME's Highway to Health Care bus rolled into town on Wednesday afternoon. Part of a nationwide tour, the bus is making stops in key battleground states for support.
Speakers at the gathering included retiree Arvin Kvasager,Tiffany Patterson, mother, retired Public Health professional Dr. Robert Fischer and AFSCME staffer Alexandra Townsend.
Personal health care stories included Tiffany Patterson's experience with her young son. He was taken to a Gr
and Forks hospital because he had trouble eating. He was then flown to a Minneapolis hospital for further care. The helicopter flight alone cost $30,000. After continuously denied coverage, she and her family are battling debt because of the diagnosis. Her son is now healthy, and Tiffany told the crowd how to help Trip, her son, and others that fall sick--to support a public option.
Dr. Bob Fischer noted that as a public health physician for many years, he saw that early on in his career that prevention of diseases is paramount to healthy communities. "The health care system has 
failed us. It is especially bad for the uninsured or under insured." Dr. Bob looks to the American Medical Association, who has endorsed H.R. 3200, for reliable information on health care reform.
Right now is a critical time for health care reform. Congress members are holding town hall meetings across Minnesota. Opponents are mobilized and out in force. That's why it is important to keep calling your Congress members at 1-877-702-0976and tell them you support health care reform that includes a public option that competes with for-profit insurers and guarantees everyone access to affordable, quality care.
first photo: Highway to Health Care bus and Minnesotan union members
To see a slideshow of the Fargo event, click here.