Nurses to Join Call for Healthcare for the 99% in Monday Rallies

A broad coalition of activists - including registered nurses, medical students, seniors, physicians, members of the Occupy movement, and the recently formed Campaign for a Health California (CHC) - will hold marches and rallies Monday, January 9 in Sacramento and Los Angeles to step up the campaign to extend guaranteed healthcare coverage to all Californians.

The actions will also promote passage of SB 810, which would establish a Medicare for all/single payer system in California. In addition to addressing the ongoing healthcare crisis faced by millions of Californians who are uninsured, under insured or denied care by their insurer, SB 810 would address California's budget emergency by lowering state expenditures on healthcare through a more rational, more cost effective healthcare system.

Sacramento: Monday, January 9. March at 11 a.m., 3rd St. and Capitol Mall. Rally at 12 noon, North Capitol Steps, followed by a special Occupy protest targeting insurers.

Los Angeles: Monday, January 9. March at 11 a.m., Pershing Square. Action follows at Anthem Blue Cross, 8th and Figueroa.

Both the Sacramento and Los Angeles events will include a New Orleans-style Jazz Funeral Procession remembering those who die every year as a result of lack of health coverage or insurance denials. Both actions will also feature special Occupy style protests targeting major private insurance giants whose policies are largely responsible for the healthcare crisis.

Additionally, in Sacramento, where more than 1,000 people are expected, the protesters will hold a rally on the North Capitol steps and go inside the Capitol to urge lawmakers to support SB 810.

A hearing on SB 810 is scheduled January 17 in the Senate Appropriations Committee at 11 a.m.. The bill would save the state an estimated $9 billion in the first year alone. It would provide all Californians with comprehensive medical, dental and vision care while allowing free choice of medical providers.

In Los Angeles, members of CHC, nurses, and the Wellness Committee of Occupy LA will hold followed by a speak out of patients enduring health care struggles and a special protest targeting the state's biggest private insurer Anthem Blue Cross.

"Passage of a national health bill has failed to solve the healthcare crisis for the 1,000 Californians who die every month due to lack of access to healthcare, the nearly 7 million Californians with no health insurance, and the patients who refuse needed treatment because of the cost. We need a better system, one that covers everyone, provides quality care, and cuts costs," said Zenei Cortez, RN, co-president of the California Nurses Association/National Nurses United.