United Nurses Laud Successful Passage of National Health Care Reform Bill

March 2010

California – Kathy Sackman, RN and president of the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP), reinforced the Southern California-based union’s advocacy of national health care reform today, lauding the successful passage of the Affordable Health Care for America bill in the House of Representatives.

"UNAC/UHCP has been on the frontlines of the health care reform debate for over 20 years and the passage of this bill serves as an affirmation of our efforts and those of our brothers and sisters in the struggle to help improve the lives of American families,” stated Sackman. “There is no denying that the first-hand knowledge and experience of Registered Nurses and other Health Care Professionals over the years have contributed to getting us this far on health care reform. We are grateful to the representatives who considered our contributions in the crafting of this bill and to those who made the crucial decision to stray from a status quo on health care that has not served the people of our country for a long time."

Last June, UNAC/UHCP state officers made a plea for action to the majority and minority leaders of key Congressional committees to improve and expand health care coverage in the United States with the purpose of achieving the common goal of meeting the health care needs of the American public. A strong proponent of SB 810, California’s bill for single payer health coverage, UNAC/UHCP expressed the value of health care for all, but acknowledged that the window of opportunity for health care reform at the national level required swift action.

"This bill is a good starting point for improving our broken health care system,” commented Sackman. “We are optimistic that it will help increase access to health care for many of those Americans who are most in need. This vote in support of health care reform reflects a government that is committed to standing with and for working families who are struggling, instead of with special interests. We are hopeful that the Senate will follow suit."

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