Public Comment Service Gives Americans a Voice in National Health Care Reform

February 28, 2006 - Neighborhood America has been selected by the Citizens' Health Care Working Group to assist in providing all Americans with the opportunity to have their say in national health care reform. Congress created the Working Group to provide for a nationwide public debate intended to support recommendations for improving America's health care system.

To gather public comment, the Citizens' Health Care Working Group is conducting town hall meetings throughout the country during the next several months. Neighborhood America's Public Comment Service will greatly enhance these outreach efforts by eliminating many of the barriers to participation for those who cannot - or will not - attend a public meeting. The Web-based solution results in greater inclusion and constructive public comment, which in turn will enable the Working Group to develop recommendations for the President and Congress that reflect the needs of the American people.

Public Comment Service enables organizations to increase participation through the Web, and to easily manage the resulting public comment. "Given the breadth of what Congress has charged us with doing, it is absolutely imperative that we rely on the power of the Web to maximize our outreach to American citizens and listen to what they have to say," stated Andy Rock, a senior staff analyst assigned to the Citizens’ Health Care Working Group.

"The Working Group has been charged by statute to make recommendations for a health care system that works for all Americans," summarized Rock. "We encourage all citizens to remain involved throughout this initiative by participating in our public meetings or providing online comments through www.citizenshealthcare.gov. The public comment we collect over the next three months will provide a valuable foundation from which the Working Group will base its final recommendations."

"The Citizens' Health Care Working Group is providing opportunities for all citizens to have a voice in shaping national health care reform," said Kim Patrick Kobza, president and CEO of Neighborhood America. "We are privileged to support the Citizens' Health Care Working Group in the management of such an important national initiative."

By visiting www.citizenshealthcare.gov, citizens can learn more about this historic initiative and share their ideas with Congress and the President.