Oral

The health reform law in the U.S. has been viewed by many progressives and advocates for women's rights as both an historic step forward and a delay on the path to universal, cost-effective and socially just health coverage. The debate about the role of the government in assuring social and economic security is being posed in the U.S. and worldwide. Presenters offer a range of perspectives on the prospects for advancing equitable, quality, universal, affordable health care coverage, in the aftermath of adopting the new law. About the P Ellen Parsons series: Patricia Ellen Parsons was a long-time APHA member, health services researcher, and social activist. Her life as well as her untimely death in 1997 inspired her friends and colleagues to establish this P. Ellen Parsons lecture series to honor her leadership and contributions to a wide range of fields. P. Ellen combined scientific rigor with advocacy for fundamental social change. As a researcher she illuminated the links among health, inequality, class, race and gender; and fought to collect data at the National Center for Health Statistics that would further the analysis of access and financing. Her political work focused on building effective coalitions across disciplines and interests, redressing discrimination, and promoting accountability. She adopted Emma Goldman’s motto: if I can’t dance I don’t want to be part of your revolution. It is our goal through this series to carry on P. Ellen’s work as well as her spirit of humor, energy, and activism.

Session Objectives: 1. Discuss alternative approaches to health reform. 2. Identify links between health reform policy and public health. 3. Analyze issues relevant to women in the health reform law.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)