Public Employee Press

Local 768 backs federal bill for a national health insurance plan

Labor leaders, elected officials and healthcare advocates joined Harlem residents in their community Sept. 17 for the first annual March for Health. Participants gathered in front of the Harlem State Office Building on 125th Street and marched to 135th Street, where they took part in an all-day health expo that featured fitness demonstrations, cancer screenings and nutrition lectures.

Harlem Hospital, where many DC 37 members work, was among the sponsors of the Harlem Health Festival and March.

Darryl Ramsey, president of Health Services Employees Local 768, spoke at the rally. He addressed the issue of health insurance, urging listeners to support a national health insurance act sponsored by Congress member John Conyers Jr. (Dem.-Mich.).

“More than 40 million Americans lack health insurance. We need universal coverage now,” said Ramsey.

U.S. Rep. Conyers introduced the U.S. National Health Insurance Act in 2003. The bill would create a publicly financed, privately delivered health care program that expands and improves the already existing Medicare program to include all U.S. residents.The goal of the legislation is to guarantee by law that all Americans have access to high quality, cost-effective health care, regardless of their employment, income, or health care status.