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Thousands of people from diverse sectors of society, including religious circles, have begun a groundswell of activities leading into Cover the Uninsured Week, the largest campaign in history focusing on the need to secure health care coverage.
Nearly 46 million Americans are living without health insurance and next week's effort will mobilize the entire nation to help make health care coverage a top priority in Congress. Faith communities and leaders across the religious spectrum are joining thousands in health fairs, seminars, campus activities, interfaith outreach and more.
"There are certain issues in our nation's history that call people of faith to come together to urge action, and the issue of health coverage for all Americans is one of them," said the Rev. Eileen Lindner, chairperson of the National Interfaith Advisory Board for Cover the Uninsured Week and deputy general secretary of research and planning for the National Council of Churches, in a released statement. "While our theological and social perspectives on many issues differ, people of faith agree that ensuring all people have access to health care coverage is a moral imperative. It is our duty to urge our nation to take action on behalf of the millions of Americans who do not have health care coverage."
According to the Institute of Medicine, nearly 50 people die each day because they are uninsured and cannot get the medical care they need. The growing problem underscores the moral imperative to respond, as faith leaders said.
"The Bible tells us to do unto others as we would have others do unto us. If I were uninsured, I would want others to come to my aid and demand solutions," said Dr. Richard Land, president and CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, in a released statement.
"I believe access to a basic standard of health care is a human right that is essential to the pursuit of happiness. People need to talk to their neighbors, church members, friends, family, business leaders, and government leaders and say that it is important that all Americans have this basic right. With this country's economic prosperity, we can and should find ways to provide health care for everyone," added Land who also serves on the National Interfaith Advisory Board.
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Local activities are happening across the states including some 100 events throughout New York where more than 2.7 million people do not have health insurance. With 14.2 percent of the population in New York living without health insurance, Americans, including persons of faith, are preparing to build public demand to cover the uninsured millions.
To find a local event, visit www.covertheuninsured.org.
