The Oregon Health Reform Collaborative is a group of over 20 organizations committed to creating solutions to Oregon's health care crisis. Representing providers, insurers, underserved populations, business, consumers, and faith-based communities, these groups together work on behalf of thousands of Oregonians.

In late October 2007, the Collaborative sent a memo to the Oregon Health Fund Board, a 7-member Board created by Senate Bill 329 and appointed by Governor Kulongoski. The Board's charge: To develop a comprehensive plan to ensure access to health care for Oregonians, contain health care costs, and address issues of quality in health care.

Recognizing how important public input and engagement is to any health reform effort, the Oregon Health Reform Collaborative has stepped up to help, offering the experience and insight of its members to ensure that the Board is successful. In its memo, the Collaborative encourages the Board to consider public engagement as a core strategy in developing any plans or proposals, and outlines practical suggestions to do so. Also outlined are concrete ways that the Collaborative can help, such as co-sponsoring outreach forums around the state, hosting a blog, and co-supporting a staff member whose sole responsibility is coordinating public outreach.

Read the memo

Visit the Oregon Health Fund Board Web site at http://healthfundboard.oregon.gov

Learn more about the Oregon Health Reform Collaborative:

Report to Legislators: Take Action Now On Health Reform

Call To Action: Consensus Statement on Health Reform

What is the Oregon Health Reform Collaborative?

Message to Oregonians: You Can Help Reform Our Health Care System!

Oregon, like many states, is confronting a crisis in health care. Advocates, consumers, doctors, employers, and other concerned citizens have formed a number of nonpartisan groups that are working hard to develop solutions. Some are focused on fixing specific problems while others are proposing completely new ways to deliver health care for all. Uniting all is their commitment to creating a healthier Oregon. This Web site was created to help you - the public - learn about what each group is doing and how to get in touch with them.

Why get involved?

We are all connected in a fragile health care system. The skyrocketing costs and inefficiency of health care hurt everyone. If one of us gets ill, loses coverage, or needs expensive treatment, it affects us all through higher costs and reductions in coverage. No one's health is secure unless we address everyone's needs.

Working together, Oregonians can change our health care system into one that reflects shared values of opportunity, freedom, and choice. We encourage you to add your voice and demand better health care for all Oregonians. Learn about the ballot initiatives and reform legislation, get involved, and vote like your health depends on it.

Because it does.