From the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health comes this call to action. Even if you can’t call in today, calling in tomorrow will work just fine! Call in whenever you can!

On October 20, hundreds of women of color heard from the White House. If you missed it, you can hear a recording of the call here. Now, it’s time for us to take the message to Congress.

Women of color keep this country working. That means that our national health care system should work for us. But, as health care consumers, workers, and decision-makers for our families, we know that the current system is greatly failing women of color.

Right now, we have the opportunity to really do something about it.

Congress is working to finalize a health reform bill that – if passed – will improve access to quality, affordable care. But there are lots of people out there who are trying to block the process. We must add our voices to the debate. Congress must hear that women of color demand real health reform.

TOMORROW, Women of Color United for Health Reform is hosting a National Call-In Day in support of real health reform. Take action and join the call!

1. Dial 877-264-4226. Many thanks to our friends at Health Care for American NOW! for letting us use this service.

2. Ask the operator to connect you to your Senator or Representative and give the operator your zip code. Once the operator connects you to your Representative/Senator’s office, a staffer in the office will answer the call.

3. Say:

My name is _____ ________, and I am calling today to ask you to support health reform.

I work hard, and I deserve a national health care system that works hard for me. As a woman of color, I see first-hand how the current system is failing. More people in my community are likely to be uninsured or under-insured. We also have a higher rate of chronic or pre-existing conditions, and spend a greater percentage of our income on health care than others.

This country should have a health care system that ensures everybody can access affordable, quality, culturally appropriate care over the course of their lifespan.

[If you would like, insert your own story!]

Please pass a health reform bill that will work for women of color.
Thank you for your time.

4. Repeat. You have two Senators and one Representative representing you in Congress. If you can, call three times to leave this message with all three of your federal elected officials.

To learn more about Women of Color United for Health Reform and what we believe should be included in Congress’ health reform bill, click here.