LIBERADIO(!)

The Tennessee Democratic Party and Organizing for America have put together a kickoff event to begin the push for health care reform in Tennessee tomorrow, Saturday, June 27th, from 8am to 4pm, at Farmer’s Market.

Citizens, advocates, parents, medical professionals, educators, and students will join together to work towards improving the health of the community through fitness, education, and nutrition. More importantly, however, is the opportunity to raise awareness about the urgent need for health reform.

The day will begin with a 1.5 mile walk, followed by a panel discussion featuring health care experts, health care providers, and ordinary Tennesseans discussing their struggles with the current system.

The day will conclude with a Health Care Fair where there will be free preventative health screenings, nutrition consulting, patient education and assistance materials. All events are free and open to the media.

The panel at the event will include Chris Link, a small business owner in Nashville who was forced to lay off employees because he could not afford to cover their health insurance. President Obama recently cited Mr. Link’s story in a speech to the American Medical Association as evidence of how the broken health care system is hobbling our economy. Also appearing on the panel are Landon Gibbs, a former White House Aide under George W. Bush, now Executive Director of SHOUTAmerica, a nonprofit youth-mobilization initiative, Dr. Adrian Samuels, Professor of Health Administration and Science at Tennessee State University, Bonnie Pilon, Senior Associate Dean at Vanderbilt School of Nursing, and Dr. James S. Powers, M.D., Associate Professor of Medicine at Vanderbilt University.

Community Walk: 8am to 9:30am
Expert Health Panel: 9:30am to 11am
Health Care Fair & Second Harvest Food Drive: 11 am to 4pm

If you can volunteer, contact Julia Mitchell – julialyn@gmail.com

Other events in TN:

MEMPHIS: Crusade to End Infant Mortality. “Memphis has the highest infant mortality rate among the nation’s 60 largest cities. Our local rate is twice the rate of the national average. Because we believe every baby deserves an opportunity to make it to their first birthday and beyond, we are going to do something about this alarming issue.”

SEWANEE: Sick Around America. “Join us to view the Frontline documentary “Sick Around America”. Following the film, there will be opportunity for dialogue and feedback from the group about health care reform. You will also have an opportunity to share your own personal health care story and information will be available about health care services in our area. Health care reform matters – please join us!”

COOKEVILLE: Give Blood for Health Care. “Blood Assurance is in critical need of type O positive and O negative blood donors. Anyone able to volunteer to donate blood is urged to do so as soon as possible.”

Visit BarackObama.com to find the service event closest to you.