The Having Our Say Coalition
A voice for communities of color in the health care reform debate.
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The Having Our Say coalition works to ensure that health care reform solutions address the needs of communities of color. Established in 2007 by the California Pan-Ethnic Health Network (CPEHN), Latino Issues Forum (LIF), and the California Immigrant Policy Center (CIPC), the coalition unites California's diverse communities to fight for quality, accessible health care for all.
Now consisting of over 50 organizations spanning grassroots community organizations, advocacy groups, and immigrant right activists – Having Our Say fights for a health care system that reflects the needs of our rapidly changing demographics. Our goal is to work together to advance health policies that affirm our vision of inclusion and equality.
For more information on Having Our Say and how to join our efforts, contact Cary Sanders at (510) 832-1160 x306 or Email Cary.
Health Care Reform Principles
The following principles drive our policy priorities:
- Provide universal and affordable health care coverage for all
- Ensure equity of responsibility based on financial resources
- Assure an efficient healthcare system to sustain universal coverage
- Assure equitable, high-quality health care for all
- Prioritize prevention by encouraging preventive care and creating healthy communities
- Download the full Health Care Reform Principles.
- Principles in Chinese.
- Principles in Korean.
- Principles in Samoan.
- Principles in Spanish.
- Principles in Vietnamese.
Share Your Story
Having Our Say is collecting stories about how being uninsured affects you and your family. These personal tales are invaluable in showing policymakers how this issue impacts real people. Share your story and help ensure our future health care system reflects the needs of our communities.
To share your story, please download the form in English, Spanish, Tiếng Việt Vietnamese, Chinese or Korean and fax it to Cary at (510) 832-1175. If you have any questions, please call Cary at (510) 832-1160 x306.
中文 here. Please fax it to Cary at (510) 832-1175.
Recent Reports
Health Care Reform for a Diverse Nation: The Voices of California’s Communities of Color
July 2009
The Having Our Say coalition examines some of the national health reform policies that have the most impact on our communities, highlighting proposals that expand access to care, eliminate health disparities, and promote primary prevention. We also discuss the impact an individual mandate would have on our communities.
The Path to Healthy Communities: Mapping California's Priorities
May 2008
This report ranks cities and counties throughout California using key factors known to influence health, including income, chronic diseases, health insurance status, and access to open space for physical activity. The results of this analysis have been used to create a visual map for where to focus public health resources and efforts. The brief offers recommendations to help policymakers, public health experts, and community leaders incorporate health considerations in land-use and transportation planning.
Having Our Say's Reflections on Health Care Reform Efforts in California
May 2008
In March 2008, Having Our Say coalition members came together to debrief about the 2007 health care reform efforts, including the coalition's accomplishments and lessons learned. The group worked to develop a policy agenda for 2008 that would build towards comprehensive coverage.
Health Care Reform Proposals Hold Promise for Diverse Communities: Getting California Ready
August 2007
This report highlights how the three statewide health care reform proposals introduced in the 2007 legislative session would have impacted communities of color. In addition to outlining the demographics of the newly insured, the report includes our recommendations to ensure that our future health cares system is prepared to serve
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