Health Care for All Oregon co-hosted Portland’s No Kings Rally on October 17th — is that a Big Problem?

HCAO Volunteers before the No Kings Rally

Both the Democratic and Republican parties in Oregon are currently ignoring a historic opportunity to lead the nation in access to healthcare, while our nation’s healthcare systems collapse in real time. As a nonpartisan, consumer advocacy, and educational nonprofit, Health Care for All Oregon (HCAO.org) is focused on moving Oregon to a universal healthcare system. We meet Oregonians where they are, speak with them about the years-long work that our state has been doing to design a universal system, and educate them about the emerging pathway for Oregon to be the first state to move to truly universal healthcare, joining the rest of the developed world.

When members of the Portland Chapter of HCAO were approached by No Kings organizers and invited to co-host this latest No Kings event, our Portland leaders took the opportunity to inform a large audience. Passionate HCAO representatives gave speeches on the main stage downtown, gathered signatures for HCAO’s petition, and shared information with the people about Oregon’s critical place at this moment in time, as the first and only state with a constitutional right to affordable and accessible healthcare enshrined in our state constitution.

Dr. Rebecca Schoon speaking on the Portland main stage.

Outside of Portland, HCAO participated in No Kings events across the state this past weekend. Some have described our participation at these events as preaching to the choir, but we don’t think that’s the case: too many Oregonians have no idea that our state has been working overtime for years to make this change and that official recommendations and proposed legislation are imminent. Education about what this change could mean is crucial.

So the question is, has HCAO painted ourselves as a radical, anti-Trump organization by participating in events like these? Have we alienated ourselves from discussions with more conservative voices in the state, and are we setting this movement on the wrong path by aligning ourselves with Portland groups that have, at times, been seen as antagonistic to folks in the middle?

This is an important question to ask, and one that HCAO grapples with constantly. Our work is in no way partisan, as health care is not partisan — we all get sick and need urgent care at one point or another in life, regardless of ideology. HCAO’s members speak to groups of all kinds around the state, at chamber of commerce meetings, religious gatherings, town halls, and beyond. In these meetings, we hear heartbreaking stories from conservatives, moderates, and progressives alike. These groups may not always agree on the path forward, but they certainly agree that the status quo is hopelessly broken. 

At the HCAO Merch table at No Kings.

As we move forward, it is important that we continue to show up for all Oregonians and highlight our work within communities and groups that may not normally be associated with support for universal health care. We have speakers based all across the state, and would be glad to share a presentation, and host a conversation in your community. Reach out to speakers@hcao.org to get started.

Collin Stackhouse & Nick Byron Campbell
HCAO Communications