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Local Groups Join Nationwide Push For Affordable Health Care

News Channel 8 photo by PETER MASA

Bill Newton of the Florida Consumer Action Network kicks off a $40 million health care campaign Tuesday in Tampa.

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By SHERRI ACKERMAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 8, 2008

TAMPA - It pains 13-year nursing veteran Roselily Story to tell patients she's doing everything she can when she knows their health insurance won't let her.

"These people are hardworking people who deserve the care," says Story, who works at St. Petersburg General Hospital and spoke today in downtown Tampa at a news conference, calling for affordable health care for everyone.

Health Care for America NOW! is a $40 million nationwide campaign being launched by 95 national and local groups representing labor unions, medical workers, small businesses and community activists.

Here, the movement is led by Florida Consumer Action Network and members of Planned Parenthood, the Association for Community Organizations for Reform Now, the West Central Florida Federation of Labor and Service Employees International Union.

The campaign urges voters to make health care the No. 1 priority for lawmakers and the country's next president by writing those leaders and demanding legislation pass in 2009 that gives everyone access to quality coverage at an affordable price.

According to campaign organizers, 47 million Americans lack health insurance.

Tampa real estate and retail business owner Pat Sanchez said she was sick of complaining and ready to take action.

"Gas prices are up," Sanchez said. "Taxes are up. Health care premiums are out of this world. We cannot trust the health care industry to choose people over profits, especially in this economy. Our insurance companies are ripping us off.''

The campaign started today in Tampa and 52 other cities nationwide. Organizers plan to get the word out by spending an initial $1.5 million on television, print and online advertising along with sending e-mails to 5 million people.

Workers hope their numbers will influence changes to the health care system by allowing everyone a choice in private or public plans, more focus on preventive care and equity in access to treatment, among other reforms.

For information about the local campaign, contact FCAN at (813) 877-6712 or go to www.fcan.org.

For information about the nation Health Care for America NOW! campaign, go to www.healthcareforamericanow.org.

Reporter Sherri Ackerman can be reached at (813) 259-7144 or sackerman@tampatrib.com.

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