Series of community forums to gather citizen input on future of health care

For Immediate Release
December 19, 2005

Contact
Mark Marich 202-467-2776

WASHINGTON, DC -- The Public Forum Institute announced that it will be conducting a series of up to 25 community forums as part of a national dialogue on health care that works for all Americans.

The forums are in response to a call from the United States Congress for a fresh approach to health care reform centered on public involvement.

"Congress is starting in the right place -- with the American public," stated Jonathan Ortmans, president of the Public Forum Institute. "It has been our experience that although this is certainly a complex issue, the public is informed, engaged and ready to get to work."

The Citizens' Health Care Working Group, created by bipartisan legislation co-sponsored by Senator Orrin Hatch (UT) and Senator Ron Wyden (OR), was charged with listening to the views of the American people and developing recommendations for consideration by Congress and the President. Facing a short timeframe and looking to maximize citizen input, the Working Group called on the Public Forum Institute.

The Forum has already scheduled the first round of cities and meeting dates:

• Kansas City, MO (1/17)

• Orlando, FL (1/24)

• Baton Rouge, LA (1/26)

• Memphis, TN (2/11)

• Charlotte, NC (2/18)

• Miami, FL (2/22)

• Seattle, WA (2/25)

• Denver, CO (2/27)

• Indianapolis, IN (3/11)

• Detroit, MI (3/18)

• Phoenix, AZ (3/25)

• Des Moines, IA (4/8)

• New York, NY (4/22)

In preparation for the task, the Citizens' Health Care Working Group conducted hearings in six cities to outline the serious challenges facing the health system and a growing list of questions to guide this national conversation. The information formed the basis of its Health Report to the American People – released in October 2005 and available for download at www.citizenshealthcare.gov. 

“We invite the American public to engage in an informed discussion with us about how to address the health care problems facing our nation,” said Randall L. Johnson, Chair of the Citizens’ Health Care Working Group and Director, Human Resources Strategic Initiatives, Motorola.

The Citizens' Health Care Working Group is a nonpartisan group authorized by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 and consists of 15 members --14 citizens of diverse backgrounds from across the country, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services Michael O. Leavitt.

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The Public Forum Institute is an independent, nonpartisan organization dedicated to creating the most advanced and effective means of fostering public discourse. Based in Washington, DC, the Forum develops and coordinates public forums across the country – engaging citizens, experts, community leaders, elected officials and others in substantive discussions on dozens of policy issues. Through a partnership with foundations, print and broadcast media, policy makers, opinion leaders and corporate philanthropy, the Public Forum Institute serves local communities across the nation, contributing to a more informed public. The Forum takes no position on the issues.
 

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