http://www.flickr.com/photos/nesri/ / CC BY 2.0

Within the next few weeks, our representatives in government will almost certainly vote on legislation to revise the health care insurance system. What form those revisions will take has yet to be decided, but in the current debate, questions of affordability, taxpayer burden, quality of care, and freedom of choice have risen to the forefront.

. . . But are those the areas that should receive our focus?

As people of faith and conscience, how can we structure the discussion in such a way that we keep it true to our principles? How do we make it clear that at its heart the debate about health care shouldn’t simply be a discussion of economic issues or questions of access or type of care given, but an ethical and moral issue that asks all of us to consider our most basic notions of fairness and respect for quality of life?

The health care subcommittee of the Racial and Economic Justice Task Force is asking for your input. We would like you to answer the following question: What, for you, constitutes a health care “bottom line”?  Why is health care a moral issue to you?

How would you frame the debate?

Please respond by leaving a reply below. Thank you!

The Health Care for MI Campaign work is on hold, but do you still want to get involved in local action for health care justice? Join us on Thursday, July 10 at 6:30pm to view the first in a major PBS series, “Unnatural Causes: Is Inequality Making Us Sick?”

What connections exist between healthy bodies, healthy bank accounts and skin color? This month’s dinner and a movie will feature the first segment of Unnatural Causes: In Sickness and in Wealth. Follow four individuals from different walks of life to see how their position in society-shaped by social policies and public priorities-affects their health.

Join community members for an engaging film, insightful discussion, and opportunities for action on this important issue. FREE and open to the public. All are welcome to RSVP and bring a dish to pass, but this is not required. Dinner will begin at 6:30PM, and the movie will be at 7PM. Located at Memorial Christian Church, 730 Tappan, Ann Arbor. Questions? Want to RSVP? Contact Jaimie Philip at 734.663.1870 or jaimie@umich.edu

There are four great opportunities coming up over the next week to help put the Health Care for Michigan initiative on the ballot.

To sign up to help at one of these events, contact us at info@icpj.net or 734-663-1870. Or, you can just show up with a clipboard!

MAY 15-18
Ann Arbor Book Festival, no shifts set up yet. Contact us at info@icpj.net or 734-663-1870. Or, you can just show up with a clipboard!

SATURDAY, MAY 17
Farmers Market petitioning, meet at entrance to Sparrow’s/Sweetwaters. Check in with Farmers Market coordinator to see where is OK to petition.
1. Gail S.
2. _________________
3. _________________
4. _________________

SATURDAY, MAY 17
KT Tunstall, 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., Power Center, Meet at corner of E. Washington and Fletcher (by old “top of the park” parking structure)
Coordinator: ________
1. _________________
2. _________________

FRIDAY, MAY 23
Ark Show, 8pm, work the line from 7pm-7:30pm, Meet at Main and Liberty
Coordinator: _______________
1. _________________
2. _________________

Thursday, May 22, 6:00-8:30 PM. Support the Health Care for Michigan Campaign! Eat, Drink, and Be Merry while promoting Health Care Justice. $45 minimum donation ($30 for students). Sponsored by Health Care for Michigan Washtenaw County Steering Committee (ICPJ is a member). Arbor Brewing Company, 114 East Washington, Ann Arbor.

Download the flier and help spread the word!

University of Michigan and EMU commencement ceremonies are this weekend, which makes for a ripe chance to sign people of for the Health Care for Michigan Campaign.

We’re looking for people to circulate petitions before commencement on Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday, meet Michelle Debbink at the corner of North University and State Street for petitioning from 9 to 10:30 a.m. You can reach Michelle at (734) 904-9924.

Sunday, meet Gail Steih at the front doors of the EMU convocation center for petitioning from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. You can reach Gail at (734) 255-6345.

If these times work for you, email chuck@icpj.net so that we know you’re coming.

April 26th & 27th begin Cover the Uninsured Week (www.CoverTheUninsured.org), a nation-wide effort to raise awareness of our failing health care system and to take action in support of the 47 million Americans without health care coverage. We can take this opportunity to spread the word about how we ARE taking action in Michigan – by supporting the Health Care for Michigan campaign! Take this chance to tell your fellow congregants that they can make a difference!

3 Easy Ways to Involve Your Congregation:

1. Get an announcement in your congregation’s weekly bulletin.
2. Make a brief announcement to your congregation during or following service.
3. Bring the Health Care for Michigan petition to share with your congregation. Stop by the ICPJ office (in Memorial Christian Church, 730 Tappan – corner of Hill St. & Tappan Ave.) to pick up petitions and informational fliers. Let your fellow congregants know about Cover the Uninsured Week and Health Care for Michigan; explain why you’re involved with the campaign; ask them to sign the petition; and invite them to get more involved by signing up to be a health care volunteer!

For example announcements and more information, refer to our Additional Information Sheet.

*Please email gracek@icpj.net to let us know if you will participate in this action alert!

Contact gracek@icpj.net or call 734.663.1870 for more information.