State Representative Carolyn Tomei discusses health care with me

Photograph by Debbie Runciman

Over the summer, I presented comments from the perspective of a longtime health care provider, at a "Health Care Roundtable for Women & Families" forum organized by Oregonians for Health Security. Congressman Earl Blumenauer gave the keynote address - it's good to be reminded we have representatives at the federal level pressing for better health care solutions. Representative Tomei and Representative Diane Rosenbaum (both of whom have honored me with their endorsement) then gave reports on progressive health care legislation passed by the Oregon Legislature in recent years, and plans for the upcoming session in 2009. Then many ordinary, extraordinary citizens told their stories of struggles and challenges getting health care and paying for insurance. It was a moving, meaningful event.

Yesterday, I participated in a meeting of the 2008 Oregon Women's Health and Wellness Alliance. Led by Representatives Tomei and Rosenbaum, this group of health care providers and advocates is working to identify the Top Ten priorities for women's health care, for the 2009 Legislative session. So many needs, so little funding. I greatly appreciate the smart, value-driven people working for improvements in our flawed system.

Providing health care is not a core responsibility of the City of Portland, but availability and affordability of health care affects every Portlander. Health care costs for both insured and uninsured Oregonians must be contained to ensure funding of other basic services. I will work with the state and counties to ensure a more seamless, cost-effective system with fewer gaps in coverage. Many elected officials who've honored me with their support are enthusiastic about the prospect of a Registered Nurse being elected to the Portland City Council. Nurses work hard, we prioritize, and we know the importance of achieving and documenting results. And of course, we care about people, and finding solutions that promote healthy, happy living.