It is CommunityHealth’s privilege to act as the eyes, ears and voice of the uninsured with legislatures and other policy makers. Thank you for your steady support of our efforts. Everything we achieve in this arena depends on you.
House Bill 5744 – Amending the Good Samaritan Act
On June 19, Governor Quinn signed into law HB 5744 that amends the Illinois Good Samaritan Act to permit individuals licensed to practice in the fields of medicine and dentistry in other states to more readily volunteer their services in Illinois. This measure recognizes the critical role that volunteer providers play in free clinics like CommunityHealth and makes it easier for licensed practitioners in neighboring states to get involved. Illinois is only the second state in the nation to pass such legislation. Pictured: Governor Quinn and Judith Haasis.
Volunteer Providers Speak on Health Care Reform
Recently, Jim Webster, MD, (pictured) professor of medicine at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, former president of the Chicago Board of Health and long time CommunityHealth volunteer, along with Laura Zimmerman, MD, resident physician at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, were interviewed at CommunityHealth by the Campaign for Better Health Care. Click below to hear their thoughts.
>>Dr. Jim Webster and Dr. Laura Zimmerman speak on health care reform and a public health care option.
CommunityHealth Raises Awareness Among State Leaders
At CommunityHealth, raising awareness on the plight of the uninsured–and the services that we provide to this vulnerable population–as well as influencing public policy is a top priority. To that end, Executive Director Judith Haasis (pictured) and members of the board governance committee visit the state capital often to meet with top health care policy and legislative leaders.
Most recently, Judy was joined by board member Valery Gallagher (Director, U.S. State Government Affairs, Baxter Healthcare Corp.) and then board President Dr. Arnie Widen (pictured left). During this successful trip in February 2009, the three met with key legislatures to (a) update them on the mission, model and impact of CommunityHealth, and (b) to request support. A follow-up visit, which then board Vice President Joe O’Malley (pictured right) also attended, was made in May.
