WSNA launches new website as part of outreach campaign for health care reform

Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), the professional organization representing more than 16,000 registered nurses in Washington State, has announced a new outreach and education campaign to support meaningful health care reform in 2009. Launching on Wednesday, August 19, the campaign will feature television ads across the Pacific Northwest and a new website, www.Nurses4HealthReform.org, with information and tools for both nurses and the general public to get involved in the health care debate.

"As a registered nurse, I advocate for my patients every day. Nurses4HealthReform.org is about advocating for all patients. I see the disastrous consequences of our broken health care system every day. People's lives are in danger when they can't access or can't afford the care they need when they need it. We simply cannot afford to wait," said WSNA President Julia Weinberg, RN.

The goal of the campaign is to bring the unique experiences and perspectives of registered nurses to the forefront of the health care debate. The website will debunk health care reform myths, provide opportunities to get involved and feature testimonials from registered nurses about why reform is so important. The two television ads will be featured on the site and available for viewing on YouTube at http://nurses4healthreform.org/Nurses-Speak/.

The campaign is built around four major priorities for health care reform: quality care for all, a focus on prevention, a strong public option, and a robust nursing workforce. High costs and lack of access - for both insured and uninsured people - are forcing too many people to wait until their health is in serious jeopardy before seeking treatment. Everyone must have access to primary care, public health, and regular, preventive medical services so they can live healthier lives and prevent more serious health problems. Providing timely and appropriate preventive care will always be our best and most cost effective health care solution.

"With the current reform debate growing more divided, we fully embrace our responsibility to be leaders in educating our fellow nurses, the public and elected officials about the critical need for reform and nurses' priorities for a new system. It's time that everyone has timely access to quality care in a convenient setting by the most appropriate health care provider at an affordable cost," said WSNA Executive Director Judy Huntington, MN, RN.