By Kay Tillow for KY Healthcare
On October 4 and 5, 2018, nationally-known single payer activist, Margaret Flowers, MD, spoke at a whirlwind of events in Kentucky, educating physicians and medical students and inspiring activists. Dr. Flowers, a Baltimore pediatrician, now works full time advocating for a National Improved Medicare for All system as set forth in HR 676, the bill in the House of Representatives that currently has 123 cosponsors.
On Thursday morning, Dr. Flowers presented grand rounds to 150 physicians and medical students at the University of Louisville Department of Medicine. Her topic was “Health Care: A Business or a Public Good?”
On Thursday evening Dr. Flowers addressed a packed ballroom at the Hotel Louisville. Kentuckians for Single Payer Health Care and Physicians for a National Health Program- KY sponsored the event.
Co-Sponsors are: Central KY Council for Peace and Justice, Louisville Democratic Socialists of America, Greater Louisville Central Labor Council, Jefferson County Teachers Association, Kentucky AFL-CIO, Kentucky Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, Metro Disability Coalition, Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, U of L Commonwealth Center for the Humanities and Society, U of L Students for a National Health Program (SNaHP), St. William Church.
Doris Bailey Spencer and Sarah Parker worked to broadcast that event live on facebook and you can see it here.
On Friday morning Dr. Flowers presented Grand Rounds in the auditorium of Jewish Hospital for the University of Louisville Department of Family Medicine and Geriatrics.
On Friday at noon Dr. Flowers spoke with U of L medical students at a discussion organized by the Students for a National Health Program (SNaHP). Dr. Carol Paris of Nashville, PNHP President, joined Dr. Flowers in leading the discussion on the “Professional Imperative to Advocate.”
Friday afternoon activists gathered at the Humana Headquarters at 5th and Main to deliver a message to Humana workers. HR 676, Expanded and Improved Medicare for All, not only covers everyone with medical care but also provides for a future for any displaced workers. Workers will have first choice at jobs in the new system, opportunity for retraining, and two years of their salary up to $100,000 per year to transition into other work.
Christine Perlin chaired the demonstration which featured a dramatic presentation that she wrote and produced. Thomas Noland, Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications, came out to see what was happening and to get a copy of the leaflet. The demonstration can be seen on facebook here.
