Yesterday, we welcomed the conviction of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin for the brutal murder of George Floyd. 

We know this was just one case; there are so many more where there was no accountability or justice: Breonna Taylor, Elijah McClain, Philando Castile, Michael Brown, Tamir Rice, Eric Garner, and so many others. 

Racism is a public health crisis, and it shows up not only in police violence, but in hospitals and communities everyday. 

We have a duty to speak out to end the suffering caused by an out-of-control system of policing and to demand transformational changes in policing practices. We also have a responsibility to protect public health and safety, especially for Black and Brown communities who are enduring disproportionate harm.

We see the fight for Medicare for All as a central part of our larger fight to reverse the systemic racism that has plagued our communities and healthcare system for generations – and left Black and Brown communities to die from Covid-19 at rates as high as three to four times the rate of white people.  

While drastic systemic changes are needed within all our institutions from the justice system to education, winning Medicare for All is another essential step in preventing needless pain and suffering in communities of color. 

If you’re ready to help pass Medicare for All, please take our volunteer survey now to let us know what activities fit with your skills and time commitment and we’ll be in touch.

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Medicare for All would guarantee that everyone in the U.S. can get the health care they need regardless of their ability to pay. As Rep. Ilhan Omar put it: “Medicare for All is what true justice looks like.”

The Movement for Black Lives, a coalition of groups representing members of the Black community, has explicitly called for universal health care through Medicare for All.¹

Passing Medicare for All is just one step in the broader fight for racial justice and must be part of a broader movement to address racism in health care and beyond – but it’s an essential step to protect public health and safety for all. 

Please fill out our volunteer survey now to let us know how you’re able to support. Whether you have 2 hours or 12 hours, there is a role for you.

Holding George Floyd and his family in our thoughts. 

Nurses’ Campaign to Win Medicare for All

 

1 - M4BL Policy Platform