FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: (Feb. 9, 2006)
CONTACT: C. Chic Smith
301-443-1592 office / 202-689-4885 cell
Email: csmith@ahrq.gov / Web site: www.citizenshealthcare.gov
QUEEN CITY PARTICIPATES IN NATIONWIDE DISCUSSION ON HEALTH CARE
Citizens’ recommendations to be considered by Congress, White House
Washington, D.C.– Residents of the Charlotte metropolitan area will participate in a community dialogue on health care in America presented by the Citizens’ Health Care Working Group. The community meeting will be held on Saturday, February 18th, from 8:30 am - 12:00 pm at the Harris Conference Center, 3216 CPCC West Campus Drive, Charlotte, NC 28208. Charlotte based Lee Institute and the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce are assisting in local recruitment. The meeting is free and open to the public, but registration is requested. Registration is available by phone at 704-714-4453 or online at www.citizenshealthcare.gov.
“Health care is a major concern. I am glad that our communities will get the chance to weigh in on this topic,” stated Anne Udall, Executive Director of the Lee Institute. “This is definitely a bi-partisan issue. Republicans, Democrats and Independents all get sick.”
The community meeting will feature a multimedia presentation that provides information on the nation’s health care system including problems related to cost, quality, and access to care. This will be followed by more focused discussions in small groups. Participants will share their ideas about how to improve the health care system.
The Working Group, a nonpartisan group authorized by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003, is charged with listening to the views of the American people and developing recommendations for the President and Congress to provide U.S. citizens with “Health Care that Works for All Americans.” The Health Report to the American People was released in October and serves as a basis to engage the American people in a dialogue on health care access, cost and quality issues. The Working Group consists of 15 members -- 14 citizens of diverse backgrounds from across the country, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
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