Past Events
Williamsburg, VA
Despite it being Memorial Day weekend, on May 23rd, in Williamsburg, Virginia more than 100 citizen activists turned out to an educational town hall meeting to listen to Delegate Brenda Pogge (R-James City,) Dr. Larry Hunter, and AFPF-VA State Director Ben Marchi speak about the dangers of Canadian-style health care. The event marked the beginning of Patients United Now’s grassroots tour.
Jonesboro, AR
On May 28th, 150 citizen activists gathered at the steps of the Old Courthouse in downtown Jonesboro, Arkansas to support Patients United Now. Speakers at the event explained the impact that the policies behind socialized medicine would have on everyday Arkansas citizens. Local physicians and patients shared their experiences with the current health care system and government-run programs both in the U.S. and abroad. A former local news anchor and owner of AgWatch Network, Rick Crawford, also spoke about the burden that policies behind socialized medicine would have on small businesses.
Helena, MT
The Patients United Now event in Helena, Montana on May 29th was a success despite the rain and gusting wind, drawing 100 citizen activists to listen to speakers discuss the dangers inherent in a government-run health care system. The event featured speeches from 2008 Lt. Gov. nominee Steve Daines and St. Senato Dave Lewis, who gave a powerful speech about his Scandinavian relatives and their “free health care.” Lewis was followed by Loriena Pettit, a local media professional who spoke about rural area patients who may have insurance but cannot receive care because of the scarcity of doctors within the couple hundred mile radius. The event received attention from local press with the Independent Reporter and the local NBC station both covering the event. The Billings Gazette also highlighted the Helena and Philipsburg events here: http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2009/05/29/news/state/22-montana.txt.
Richmond, VA
On May 30th, Patients United Now brought their tour to Richmond, Virginia where more than 400 citizen-activists gathered to learn more about how Canadian-style health care would change America for the worse. Kay Coles James, who was Secretary of Health and Human Resources under Governor George Allen, spoke at length about the impact that the policies behind socialized medicine would have on Virginians. She was joined on stage by Delegates Ben Cline, John O’Bannon, and Brenda Pogge as well as Americans for Prosperity Foundation President Tim Phillips and Virginia State Director Ben Marchi. You can view a clip of our speakers here.
Lincoln, NE
On June 3, facing union protesters advocating for greater government involvement in healthcare, over 250 citizen activists showed up at Antelope Park in Lincoln, Nebraska to learn about and support Patients United Now. The event was covered by local television stations (KFOR interviewed Senator Tony Fulton on June 2 and KLIN interviewed Dr. Jeff Coyler on June 3rd promoting the event) while the audience listened to the compelling speeches of local officials and residents describing the impact that policies behind socialized medicine would have on their lives. Overall, many families attended and enjoyed the event, which provided Patients United Now reading material, balloons and Frisbees for the audience to take home.
Norfolk, NE
On June 4th, over 65 citizens—including several community leaders—gathered at Central Park in Norfolk, Nebraska to hear the Honorable Dr. Jeff Colyer speak on the threat of government take-over of healthcare. The crowd was very enthusiastic, and some local media representatives from KTIV TV were also present to cover the event.
In the Coming Weeks:
Patients United Now will be continuing our educational grassroots tour promoting patient-centered health care. Currently, we have another four events planned in Nebraska, Virginia, Arkansas, and Indiana. We have also connected with other grassroots organizations to promote education on this important issue.
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