SEIU marches for Healthcare for All!

Hundreds of SEIU members coming from cities statewide joined thousands of participants for ‘Healthcare for All in 2009’ in Seattle on Saturday.

SEIU Healthcare 1199NW member and Swedish nurse Linda Arkava addressed the broad coalition of almost 200 labor groups, community groups, civic organizations, grassroots organizations, women's organizations and immigrant groups during the May 30 Health Care For All Rally.

“I see many patients hospitalized with chronic heart failure – and it doesn’t have to be that way. Some of them are uninsured and waited too long to go to the doctor because they couldn’t afford it. Others are underinsured, and end up in a healthcare crisis only to find out their insurance won’t cover their treatment or they can’t afford their deductible. Either way, they end up admitted to my unit, where their care and treatment takes much longer and costs thousands of dollars more. We spend so much on healthcare in this country, but get so little, and then we still don’t have the healthcare  we need, for everyone. It’s time for healthcare that actually protects all of us when we need it.”

Senator Patty Murray kicked off the march at Pratt Park and Rep. Jim McDermott addressed the crowd at Westlake Plaza after the march. 3,500 marchers and SEIU members chanted along the way: 1-2-3-4, healthcare’s what we’re fighting for! 5-6-7-8, it’s a crisis, we can’t wait!

If we’re going to fix our economy, we must fix America’s broken healthcare system – and we can’t afford to wait. Crushing healthcare costs have made it impossible to strengthen our economy, with families and businesses all struggling to make ends meet. Reforming healthcare means: keeping the healthcare you have, if you like it; seeing the doctor of your choice; increasing the quality of care while decreasing costs and eliminating waste; helping small businesses stay competitive; and reforming the insurance market so you will never face losing your coverage.

States around the country will be holding events throughout April and May that build to a June 25th national event with tens of thousands of people in Washington D.C.