(The Beacon)
By Jenny Carson, Guest Commentary -- The Beacon
The fact is that the state of the current health care system affects all of us. Yes, right now all students on this campus are insured because we are required to be as students, however what about when we graduate?
Besides all the dry facts and figures I could give you about how much more America spends on health care over any other industrialized nation, how many personal bankruptcies are caused by medical bills and how many people choose to be uninsured due to rising costs. Let's go with this idea: we are the future voice of political reform.
I know that you have a biology exam to study for and that right now your parents cover you, or you are supported some other way as a student, but that may not always be the case. Every student at UP upon three years after graduation will be required to purchase personal healthcare insurance, along with all the other stressors of finding a job and surviving in the American job market at a time of economic uncertainty.
I am giving you an opportunity for your voice to be heard if any aspect of federal or state health care reform has upset you or intrigued you. This upcoming Friday March 11th there will be a legislative action day in Salem to support the Affordable Healthcare for All Oregon House Bill, introduced by North Portland Senator Chip Shields.
There will also be future opportunities for open discussions and presentations on this topic appearing at UP.
For more information please contact me at carson12@up.edu or visit www.singlepayeroregon.org to register for Legislative Action Day and to contact your legislators regarding this important issue.
Jenny Carson is a junior nursing major and can be contacted at carson12@up.edu.
