Reforming our health care system cannot wait

I came that you might have life, and have it abundantly. (John 10:10)

We pray, ever present God, asking that you bless our efforts to achieve in the United States a holistic health plan that will bless your people — all of your people. We know there are many who wait in silence for a more just system of providing care to all people; be with those who wait, who often do not have a voice. Too many are hurting and suffering from our broken and inequitable health-care system. But you, our God, you always hear our cries in the night. Strengthen us to use our hearts, hands, and voices to fulfill the vision for a health care system that includes everyone and works well for all of us. Work through us, God, to make your will real here on earth, for all of your beloved creation. Amen.

— Adapted from the Interfaith Week of Prayer for Health Care
Washington, D.C., June 19-26, 2009

Congressman John Conyers (D-Mich.), author of H.R. 676, gave the keynote address at a PC(USA)-funded seminar in Albany, N.Y., on March 3, 2009. Photo by Cass L. Shaw, general presbyter, Albany Presbytery

The 218th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (2008) voted to "Endorse in principle the provision of single-payer universal health care reform in which health care services are privately provided and publicly financed." Read more.

As called for in this action, the Rev. Gradye Parsons, stated clerk of the General Assembly, sent a copy of the resolution to members of the U.S. Congress on July 15, 2009. Download this letter.

On August 13, 2009, the stated clerk of the General Assembly issued the statement, “Reforming our health care system cannot wait.” Download this statement.

Implementing the General Assembly action, PC(USA) funding is still available toward holding regional, one-day seminars supporting single payer universal healthcare reform. Six extremely successful events have occurred, the seventh has just been funded. Get information for applying for these funds.

Following the action of the PC(USA) General Assembly, the General Synod of the United Church of Christ (UCC) passed without amendment a resolution titled “Calling for the Support of H.R. 676 — Single Payer National Health Care Reform to Advance Health Equity for All and to Eliminate Health Disparities” on June 30, 2009.

The 76th General Convention of the Episcopal Church, which met July 8-17, 2009, in Anaheim, Calif., voted in both the House of Bishops and House of Deputies to work for Single Payer Health Care. Learn more.

Since 1992, the United Methodist Church has supported “advocating for health care for all in the United States by focusing on a single-payer national health plan.” Learn more.

Learn more about single-payer universal health care reform

Physicians for a National Health Program (PNHP) is a nonprofit research and education organization of 17,000 physicians, medical students and health professionals who support single-payer national health insurance.

What you can do

There are lots of ways you can help the movement for single-payer national health insurance. Find out more.

Healthcare-NOW! organizing support for a national single-payer health care system

Get additional resources on health care reform.

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