Gainesville Healthcare Townhall w/ OFA

On 7/30/2009, citizens from Gainesville, FL, attended a Healthcare Reform Townhall at the Alachua County Education Assocation focused on the public option. Workers from the North Florida Central Labor Council, as well as members of the Alachua County Democratic Party, and the public asked a panel of experts questions. The crowd also heard personal stories from from survivors of our current Healthcare system. Together, Organizing for America and the North Florida Central Labor Council presented their respective must haves from Congress.

Representing President Barack Obama, Deputy Field Director Chris Turner fielded questions and presented the President's requirements for legislation of Healthcare Reform from Congress. Speaking about the public option, its affordability, and addressing individual issues, the panel of experts included: Mayor Bonnie Burgess, Chris Turner OFA, Pat McCollough OFA, Valecia Parker 9/11 Survivor, Fred Pratt Survivor, Gunnar Paulson NWCFL CLC President, Aaron Wazlavek FL AFLCIO, Lorraine Austin - Medical Professional, Dr. Bert Hughes, and Attorney Chris Chestnut.

As the crowd built, an overwhelming response for support of Healthcare Reform brought the need to the forefront of the discussion. At the end of the evening, Labor presented their three must haves, and NWCFL CLC President Gunnar Paulson reminded everyone of the scheduled events for 8/10 and 8/11.