House Calls for Health Care Reform: Rodgers Forge, Baltimore, MD

Sponsors: Md. Chapter of Physicians for a National Health Program, HealthCare-Now! of Maryland and Maryland Coalition for Health Security

By Diane Wittner
July 12, 2009

On Saturday, July 11, 2009, a group of health care providers and advocates made house calls in Baltimore, Maryland to educate residents about single payer health reform and to collect petition signatures for Rep. John Sarbanes - requesting that he co-sponsor HR 676: National Health Care Act. The canvassing area covered "Rodgers Forge," an historic community comprised of 1,777 townhomes, located just north of the city line, and south of Towson. See, www.rodgersforge.org/history.html

Rodgers Forge is part of the 3rd Congressional District of Maryland, which is Rep. Sarbanes' district. Although two other Maryland Democratic caucus members signed onto HR 676 (Reps. Edwards and Cummings), Rep. Sarbanes has yet to do so. A quick stroll through Rodgers Forge reveals an unprecedented number of signs in front of homes in this previously stable community: "For Sale," "For Rent," "For Lease," and even "Public Auction" signs.

This disturbing change indicates that larger numbers of Sarbanes' constituents are having difficulty keeping jobs, their homes, thus affordable and reliable health insurance. Job status, economic status, homelessness and health care are interdependent issues.

If Congress were to pass legislation based on HR 676, health coverage would not be a for-profit enterprise, nor would it be employer-based Additionally, the overall cost of health care in the U.S. would be 30% lower. Most important, U.S. residents, including all of Rep. John Sarbanes' constituents, would have health security, and our country would join the family of civilized nations.

Congressman John Sarbanes, are you listening?

Please co-sponsor HR 676 and you will be our champion!