Rep. McClanahan Launches “100 Days on Health Care”
July 1st, 2009KIRKSVILLE, Mo. – State Rep. Rebecca McClanahan, (D-Kirksville), announced a new health education initiative to address the growing requests for information on health care reform.
Called “100 Days on Health Care,” this forum will be based online using the message service Twitter, which is linked to her Web site and Facebook accounts. Beginning July 1, Rep. McClanahan will post daily updates exploring the state of healthcare in Missouri, harnessing the power of social networking to create an experience that is accessible and easy to use for people of all ages. July 1st is also the fourth anniversary of the devastating state budget cuts that resulted in approximately 180,000 fewer Missourians having access to health care.
“We’re seeing a real sense of urgency developing about access to and cost of healthcare. I’m getting more and more calls from families and business owners who frankly are scared about what will happen next, whether or not they’re insured right now. On top of that, there’s a lot of conflicting messages out there about this issue on a state and national level,” said McClanahan.
McClanahan said Twitter provides an opportunity to get the word out in an easy and fun way. “My constituents young and old are already following me on Facebook and Twitter, including my 83 year-old mother. It’s really easy to get started,” said McClanahan.
“I’ve spent my life working on health care issues, which is why I wanted to use my experience as a nurse and educator to reach out directly and share the facts, answer any questions North Missourians may have, as well as offer my perspective on a way forward. Finally, I really want to hear from local residents as far as their experiences, concerns, and ideas for improving access to health care.”
For more information, contact Representative McClanahan at www.RebeccaMcClanahan.com or call toll free 1-866-845-5738. She can also be reached through her Capitol office at 201 W. Capitol Ave., Room 101-A, Jefferson City, MO 65101.
A nurse and educator by background, Rebecca McClanahan was first elected to the Missouri House of Representatives in 2006. Rep. McClanahan is one of just two members of the House of Representatives MO HealthNet Oversight Committee, a panel created by a 2007 state law to oversee Missouri’s public health care system.
