UPCOMING EVENTS
Tuesday, Dec. 15, 5:30 p.m. – “Paying for Single Payer: How Much & How.” UMass Economics Prof. Gerald Friedman will lead a discussion of how we’ll finance the Massachusetts Health Care Trust and pay for health care in the state, including his estimate of how much we’ll save under a Single Payer health care system. Zoom: RSVP at https://actionnetwork.org/events/paying-for-single-payer/ to receive the Zoom link a couple days in advance. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/3486738794746595/.
January 23-24 – Annual national single-payer strategy conference. Convened online by Healthcare NOW and the Labor Campaign for Single Payer. Registration and ticket required. $35 if register before Dec. 18. https://www.healthcare-now.org/2021-medicare-for-all-conference
RECENT PAST EVENTS
Thursday, October 22, 7:00-9:00PM, on Zoom: “The Power to Heal.” Film screening hosted by the Western Mass. Area Labor Federation. Film about the civil rights movement to desegregate southern hospitals in the wake of federal Medicare legislation. Followed by a discussion with UMass-Amherst Political Science Professor Dean Robinson on US health care and the Medicare for All movement. Zoom link here. Facebook event here.
Tuesday, Oct. 13 – 4:00-5:30 p.m. – “Moving Health Care Upstream: Medicare for All and Public Health Priorities.” Mass. M4A Legislative Caucus webinar cosponsored by WMM4A and Mass-Care, hosted by Sen. Jo Comerford, co-chair of the legislature’s Public Health Committee. Panelists include Mass. Rep. Tammy Gouveia, community nurse and public health expert Dr. Catherine DeLorey, and community health activist Dimple Rana. Register here. Facebook event here.
Tuesday, October 6 – 6:00PM – Community Forum on the Future of Baystate Noble Hospital on Zoom and Facebook. Hosted by the Registered Nurses of Baystate Noble Hospital and State Senator John Velis. Receive invite link and join in the conversation by signing up at Noble Forum. Facebook event here. The forum will feature nurses and community advocates. It will provide an opportunity for transparent discussion of how to respond to Baystate management’s cuts in staffing and essential services.
Tuesday, Sept. 15 – 4:00-5:30 p.m. – Mass. Legislative M4A Caucus webinar, co-hosted by WMM4A. The first of two forums on Medicare for All and Public Health Priorities. Panel includes Dr. William Hsaio, Professor Emeritus at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health who helped develop Single Payer system for Taiwan. Livestreamed from the Legislature’s Medicare for All Caucus Facebook page. Tune in directly at www.facebook.com/MassachusettsMedicareForAll/live.
Tuesday, May 26th – 4:00-5:00 p.m. – Webinar hosted by Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa and Sen. Jamie Eldridge with Dr. Robert Pollin, Political Economy Research Institute at UMass. Focus will be the economic impact of COVID-19 and Medicare for All in Mass. Register in advance to receive the zoom link at https://bit.ly/2WGO8HD or watch the Facebook livestream.
Wed. May 13th – 6:30 p.m. – WMM4A GENERAL ASSEMBLY on Zoom – Updates, actions, and discussion. The main feature of this month’s agenda is a workshop led by several of our WMM4A members: “COVID 19 and Medicare for ALL – What Have We Learned?” New folks welcome! Contact us for Zoom connection instructions: info@wmMedicareforall.org
Tuesday, April 21, 2020, 4:30 -5:30 p.m. Webinar hosted by Rep. Sabadosa and Sen. Eldridge -“Medicare for All and COVID-19: A Time for Action” with Katie McBrine , M.D. and Donna Stern, R.N. Livestreaming on Facebook page for Massachusetts Medicare for All Caucus. On Zoom at https://bit.ly/2XEH90s. Contact: info@wmMedicareforall.org
CANCELLED – Friday, March 27, 2020 – 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – “Public Health and Medicare for All: A Conversation.” Forum organized and hosted by UMass School of Public Health in collaboration with WMM4A. Panelists include Profs. Jerry Friedman and Dean Robinson, Dr. Catherine DeLorey, Sens. Eldridge and Comerford, and Reps. Sabadosa and Domb. Presentations, Q&A, and small group breakouts. Location: UMass Amherst Campus Center. Open to the public but space is limited. Register here. Contact: info@wmMedicareforall.org
CANCELLED – Wed. March 25 – 8:30 a.m. – noon. “Healthcare Reform Efforts: Applying a Health Equity and Social Justice Lens.” Forum sponsored by the Mass. chapter of the American Nurses Assn. and the UMass College of Nursing. Presenters will discuss various health care reform efforts and legislation, including M4A, and the equity implications. Location: UMass Center at Tower Square in Springfield. Contact Christine: schraufc@elms.edu
CANCELLED – Monday, March 16 – 7:00 p.m. Discussion about Medicare for All and other avenues of healthcare reform. Event hosted by Indivisible Northampton. Deborah Levenson, Co-convener of WMM4A, will speak for M4A and Joel Rosen, M.D. will present other avenues, followed by Q&A and general discussion. Location: Pathways Cohousing, Mountain Laurel Path in Florence. Contact Deborah: info@wmMedicareforall.org.
Wednesday, March 11th, 2020 – 6:30 p.m. – General Assembly of WMM4A. Location: 100 Bigelow St., Holyoke (Mass. Green High Performance Computing Center). New folks welcome! RSVP to info@wmMedicareforall.org
Thursday, Feb. 20th – 6:00 p.m. Western Mass. Area Labor Federation -Health Care Committee meeting in Springfield. If you are a union member and would like to get involved, contact Jon or Deborah: info@wmMedicareforall.org.
Wednesday, Feb.12th, 2020 – 6:30 p.m. – General Assembly of WMM4A. Location: 100 Bigelow St., Holyoke (Mass. Green High Performance Computing Center). New folks welcome! RSVP to info@wmMedicareforall.org
Thursday, Jan. 23rd, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. – Medicare for All Briefing with Reps. Paul Mark and Lindsay Sabadosa. Location: Pittsfield – Tavern of the A, GEAA, 303 Crane Ave. Contact Jon: jon@gogtt.net
Tuesday, Jan. 21st, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. – Springfield Area Hub meeting. Organizing for M4A in Springfield, Chicopee, and other parts of Hampden County. New folks welcome! Location: 1380 Main St. Suite 203, Springfield (Mass. Jobs with Justice office). Contact Jon: jon@gogtt.net or Ernesto: e.e.cruz@outlook.com
Tuesday, Jan. 21st, 2:00-3:00 p.m.- Discussion about Single Payer versus Public Option proposals with guest Donald Berwick. Hosted by the Mass. M4A Legislative Caucus. Open to the public at the Statehouse in Boston. Contact: info@wmMedicareforall.org
Sunday, Jan. 19th, 11:30 a.m. – Greenfield canvass focused on Medicare for All. Organized by Pioneer Valley Democratic Socialists of America, for candidate Bernie Sanders. [Note: WMM4A does not endorse candidates, but we do publicize events that educate about M4A.] Meet at the Co-op, 144 Main Street in Greenfield, for a brief training, then canvass in pairs. Contact Donna: djwilson401@gmail.com
Saturday, Jan. 18th – 2020 Pioneer Valley Women’s March: Gathering from 11:00 a.m. at Northgate Center – 1985 Main St. in Springfield, march starts at noon, rally at City Hall approx. 1:00 p.m. Activist Fair at City Hall noon-3:00 p.m. WMM4A is a cosponsor of this event. Contact Judi about WMM4A tabling: judiwisch@gmail.com. Contact Barbara about carpools and train info: bzpearson@gmail.com.
Thursday, Jan. 16th – 6:00 p.m. in Holyoke. Health Care Committee meeting of the Western Mass. Area Labor Federation. If you are a union member and would like to get involved, contact Jon or Deborah: info@wmMedicareforall.org.
Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020 – 6:30 p.m. – General Assembly of WMM4A. Location: 100 Bigelow St., Holyoke (Mass. Green High Performance Computing Center). New folks welcome! RSVP to info@wmMedicareforall.org
DATE CHANGE: THIS DATE IS CANCELLED DUE TO COUNCIL AGENDA – WILL BE RESCHEDULED SOON! Wednesday, Nov. 20th – Easthampton M4A Resolution: rally at 5:30 p.m., City Council meeting and vote at 6:00 p.m. Mark the date – come out to show your support! Location: Easthampton City Hall, 50 Payson Ave. Contact Sara: spw128@comcast.net UPDATE: rescheduled to Dec. 18th. Resolution passed unanimously.
Wednesday, Nov. 13, 6:30 p.m. – General Assembly of WMM4A. Location: 20 Hampton Ave, Northampton. New folks welcome! RSVP to info@wmMedicareforall.org
Thursday, Nov. 7th, 6:30 p.m. – Slideshow and Discussion about the Mass. M4A bill, “An Act Establishing Medicare for All in Mass.” Find out what Single Payer would like in our state and explore common questions in more detail. Location: South Hadley Public Library, 2 Canal Street, S. Hadley. Contact Stephanie: strandfamily01075sh@gmail.com
Wednesday, Nov. 6th, 6:00 p.m. – Easthampton M4A Resolution: introduction of the resolution to City Council. Come out to show support! Location: Easthampton City Hall, 50 Payson Ave. Contact Sara: spw128@comcast.net
Monday, Oct. 28th, 6:00 p.m. – WMM4A tabling at M4A Town Hall with Congressional candidate Alex Morse, Gateway City Arts, 92 Race Street, Holyoke. Contact: info@wmMedicareforall.org. Note: WMM4A is a non-partisan organization. Tabling is strictly for educational purposes.
Monday, Oct. 28th, 5:30 -7:30 p.m. – Mass. Nurses Association Labor School presenting a class for nurses about Medicare for All. Fix-It showing and discussion, Northampton location. Contact Patty: phealey17@gmail.com
Tuesday, Oct. 22, 1:00-3:00 p.m. – Public Outreach Event. Short video and discussion about M4A, hosted by Northampton Hub. Location: Northampton Senior Center, 67 Conz Street. Contact Jane: nellajpt11@gmail.com
Friday – Sunday, Oct. 18-20, National Single Payer Conference in Portland, Oregon. Info and registration: click here.
Tuesday, Oct. 15, 7:00 p.m. – Training event hosted by the Northampton Hub. Slideshow and discussion about the Mass. M4A bill with Stephanie Strand. Location: Pathways Cohousing, Mountain Laurel Path, Florence. All WMM4A folks are welcome. Contact Nancy: ntalanian@gmail.com
Thursday, Oct. 10, 6:30 p.m.– General Assembly of WMM4A.Location: TBA. New folks welcome! RSVP to info@wmMedicareforall.org
Thursday, Oct. 3, 6:30 p.m. – Fix It showing and discussion at Granby Public Library, 297 East State Street, Granby. Contact: gshmedicare4all@gmail.com
Tuesday, Oct. 1, Medicare for All Forum in Boston hosted by the Mass. chapter of American Nurses Association. Location is the Statehouse. Registration details at anamass.org. Panel includes Boston-area experts and Christine Schrauf, an active member of our South Hadley/Granby Hub. Contact Rorry: rorryz@aol.com
Friday, Sept. 27, 1:30 p.m. – M4A Labor Roundtable with Rep. Sabadosa and Sen. Eldridge. If you are a union member and interested in attending this event, please contact Deborah or Jon: info@wmMedicareforall.org
Tuesday, Sept. 24, 7:00 p.m. – Springfield Area Hub meeting, hosted by Our Revolution Chicopee. OR business meeting at 6:30, Hub meeting at 7:00. Location: Chicopee Public Library, 449 Front Street, Chicopee. Contact Jon: jon@gogtt.net
Friday, Sept. 20, 4:15 p.m. – Climate Strike March from Sheldon Field to rally at City Hall in Northampton. WMM4A is a co-sponsor of this event. Join us at Sheldon Field to march with the WMM4A banner. Contact Deborah: info@wmMedicareforall.org
Wednesday, July 10, 6:30 p.m. – General Assembly of WMM4A. LOCATION: Mass. Green High Performance Computing Center, 100 Bigelow St. in Holyoke, Mass. New folks welcome! RSVP to info@wmMedicareforall.org
Wednesday, June 12, 6:30 p.m. – Next General Assembly of WMM4A. NEW LOCATION: Mass. Green High Performance Computing Center, 100 Bigelow St. in Holyoke, Mass. New folks welcome! RSVP to info@wmMedicareforall.org.
Tuesday, May 28, 1:00 -3:00 p.m. at the Northampton Senior Center, 67 Conz Street. Fix It showing with Q&A to follow. Hosted by the Northampton Hub. Contact Jane: nellajpt11@gmail.com
Thursday, May 16th, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at 170 Main Street, Greenfield. Sojourner Truth School workshop: “Healthcare is a Human Right: Effective Advocacy for Single Payer in Massachusetts.” The trainer is Beth Eisenberg, Training Coordinator for WMM4A and a retired social worker. Wait list only available now: www.truthschool.org.
Tuesday, May 7that 6:30 p.m. RALLY at Holyoke City Hall,536 Dwight Street. The Single Payer ballot question passed in Holyoke with 67% of the vote and now we are urging the City Council to echo that support for Medicare for All. Organized by the Holyoke Hub and PVDSA. Contact Chris: craymartin90@gmail.com
Saturday, May 4thstarting at 11:00 a.m. Northampton Pride March from Old South Street to the Fairgrounds. WMM4A will be talking to folks along the route about Medicare for All, handing out flyers and stickers, and signing folks up for our listserv. We had a great reception last year when we canvassed for the ballot question and look forward to another great opportunity to reach out to the community. Please volunteer to help! Contact Miriam: mkb@valleymediation.com
Wednesday, May 1, 6:00 p.m. at South Hadley Town Hall – Event to inform Town Meeting members about the May 8th TM warrant. WMM4A reps will be present to respond to questions about the M4A resolution. Contact: Stephanie: strandfamily01075sh@gmail.com
Tuesday, April 30, 6:30 pm at the United Congregational Church of Ashfield, 429 Main Street in Ashfield. Showing of the film “Fix It” with Q&A to follow. Sponsored by the Hilltown Hub of WMM4A. Contact Beth: jubilada@icloud.com
Thursday, April 25, 6:30 p.m. at the South Hadley Public Library: a showing of Fix It with Q&A. Hosted by the Granby/South Hadley hub, with special outreach to SH Town Meeting members who will be voting on a Medicare for All Resolution at Town Meeting on May 8th.
Monday, April 22nd at 6:30 p.m. at Northampton H.S. – Public forum with elected officials to help launch the Green New Deal: a Congressional Resolution to achieve net-zero greenhouse emissions, create mill0ions of good, high-wage jobs, and promote social and environmental justice. WMM4A is a cosponsor of this event. Contact Marty: martygjf@comcast.net
Wednesday, April 10th, 6:30 p.m. – Next General Assembly of WMM4A. New folks welcome! RSVP to info@wmMedicareforall.org. Location: Community Room at 20 Hampton Ave., Northampton
Monday, March 25th, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Pelham Elementary School, 45 Amherst Road – Demoratic Town Committees of Pelham, Shutesbury, and Leverett will host a forum with local legislators about Medicare for All. WMM4A will be tabling.
Friday, March 15th, 2:00-2:45 p.m.at Jones Library, Amherst – “Listening Session” with local legislators Sen. Comerford and Reps. Blais, Carey, Domb and Sabadosa. Several Western Mass. Medicare for All folks will share personal experiences demonstrating the failure of our current healthcare system from different perspectives. Open to the public.
Wednesday, March 13th, 6:30 p.m. – Next Monthly Meeting of WMM4A. New folks welcome! RSVP to info@wmMedicareforall.org. Location: Community Room at 20 Hampton Ave., Northampton
Monday March 4th, 7:00 p.m. – Northampton hub showing Fix It with a Q&A afterwards at Indivisible Northampton. Location: 25 Mountain Laurel Path, Florence. Contact Nancy: ntalanian@gmail.com
Sunday, March 3, 4:30 -6:00 p.m. – “Join Michael Lighty, long-time single-payer champion and Sanders Institute Fellow, as he tours the East Coast to discuss the urgency of the moment. This event will give you the tools you need to be a strong advocate for single-payer healthcare in your workplace and your community.” Hosted by the Holyoke Hub and Pioneer Valley Democratic Socialists of America. Location: Mass. Green High Performance Computing Center, 100 Bigelow Street, Holyoke. Contact Chris: craymartin90@gmail.com
Saturday February 23rd, 12:00pm – 2:00pm, Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center, 100 Bigelow St in Holyoke. Panel presentation on health care disparities and inequities associated with race, ethnicity, and other factors. WMM4A is a cosponsor of this event.
Friday, Feb. 15th, 6:00 p.m. — Town Hall with Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa and Sen. Jo Comerford. Hosted by N’ton H.S Democrats. WMM4A is a cosponsor and will be tabling. Bring your questions about Medicare for All. Both of these legislators are leaders on this issue! Location: Northampton High School, 380 Elm St., Northampton.
Wednesday, Feb. 13th, 6:30 p.m. – Next Monthly Meeting of WMM4A. New folks welcome! RSVP to info@wmMedicareforall.org. Location: Community Room at 20 Hampton Ave., Northampton
Wednesday, Jan. 23rd – LOBBY DAY for our new M4A bills at the statehouse in Boston. Rally at 11:00 a.m. at the Grand Staircase, then go in teams to meet with your legislators. If you can’t come to Boston, mark the date to call or email your state Rep and Senator. Questions and carpooling: info@wmMedicareforall.org
Saturday, Jan. 19th – Women’s March in Northampton, look for our WMM4A banner at Sheldon Field, march begins at noon, rally at 1:00 p.m. at City Hall. WMM4A is a cosponsor of this event and will be tabling at the activist fair.
Wed. Jan. 9th – Monthly meeting of WMM4A, 20 Hampton Ave., Northampton, 6:30 -8:00 p.m. Contact: info@wmMedicareforall.org. New folks welcome!
Wed. Dec. 12 – Monthly meeting of WMM4A, 20 Hampton Ave., Northampton, 6:30 -8:00 p.m. Contact: info@wmMedicareforall.org. State Rep. Solomon Goldstein-Rose will join us for a conversation about how the statehouse works – or doesn’t!
Wed. Nov. 14th 14th – Monthly meeting of WMM4A, 20 Hampton Ave., Northampton, 6:30 -8:00 p.m. Contact: info@wmMedicareforall.org
Tuesday, Nov. 6th – Election Day – Vote! “YES” on Question 4 – Visibility standouts with signs and literature at polling locations. Contact: info@wmMedicareforall.org
Question 4 visibility standouts and election-day sign-holding – Various locations and times. Help us spread the word! Contact: info@wmMedicareforall.org
Weekends, ongoing until Nov. 6th election – Canvassing in Holyoke for “Yes” on Questions 1 and 4. Most Saturdays and Sundays, 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. Contact Chris Martin: craymartin90@gmail.com
Tuesday, Oct. 30th – “Fix It” showing and discussion at the South Hadley Public Library, 2 Canal Street, South Hadley, 6:00 p.m. Hosted by the new South Hadley/Granby Western Mass. Medicare for All group. Contact Stephanie Strand: strandfamily01075sh@gmail.com
Sunday, Oct. 28th – Radio interview about Question 4 on “Occupy the Airwaves,” WXOJ, 103.3 FM, 10:00 a.m. Interview with Chris Martin and Deborah Levenson.
Saturday, Oct. 27th – “Fix It” showing and discussion at the Lilly Library, 19 Meadow Street, Florence, 2:30 pm. Contact Nancy Talanian: ntalanian@gmail.com.
Thursday, Oct. 25th – Mass. Commission on the Status of Women: Pioneer Valley Public Hearing, Shea Theater, 71 Avenue A, Turners Falls, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. WMM4A encourages Medicare for All advocates to provide oral or written testimony about the importance of Single Payer healthcare for women in Mass. Call or email for more info: 617.626.6520, mcsw@state.ma.us. WMM4A contact: Beth Eisenberg – jubilada@icloud.com
Thursday, Oct. 25th – “Know Your Town” hosts Ballot Question Forum, South Hadley Town Hall, 116 Main Street, 7:00 p.m. Brief presentations pro and con on Questions 1, 2, 3 and 4, followed by Q&A from the audience. WMM4A’s Deborah Levenson will speak in favor of Q4.
Wednesday, Oct. 24th – Ballot Forum hosted by Pelham and Shutesbury Democratic Town Committees, Pelham Free Public Library, Ramsdell Room, 2 South Valley Road, Pelham, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Panel with Q&A on the three statewide ballot questions and Question 4 supporting Single Payer in Mass. WMM4A’s Melanie Lewis will speak in favor of Q4.
Tuesday, Oct. 23rd– “Fix It” showing and conversation with Prof. Gerald Friedman at Whately Town Offices, 4 Sandy Lane, Whately, 7:00 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. Contact Nancy Talanian: ntalanian@gmail.com
Monday, Oct. 22nd– “Fix It” showing and conversation with Dr. Chris Flory, Dr. Peter Siersma, and Beth Eisenberg. Chesterfield Grange / Council on Aging Building, 400 Main Road, Chesterfield, 7:00 p.m. Contact Larry Cervelli: ridgetoprambler@outlook.com
Wednesday, Oct. 17th – Radio interview about Question 4 on “The Bill Newman Show,” WHMP 101.5 FM, 9:05 a.m. Interview with WMM4A’s Beth Eisenberg and Patty Healey.
Saturday, Oct. 13th– “Fix It” showing and conversation with Prof. Gerald Friedman at Easthampton Senior Center, 19 Union Street, 3:00 -5:00 p.m. Contact Sara Weinberger: spw128@comcast.net.
Wednesday, Oct. 10th – Next Monthly Meeting of WMM4A, 20 Hampton Ave., 6:30 -8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 3rd– Mass. Medical Society conference and live webinar on “Universal Health Care,” 8:45 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Information at Massmed.org. Contact Chris Flory: christ_flory@yahoo.com
Wednesday, Oct. 3rd- Meeting of new group in South Hadley/Granby to promote the Single Payer ballot question and advance M4A. Meet in the boardroom of South Hadley Public Library, 2 Canal Street, 6:00 p.m. Contact Stephanie Strand: strandfamiliy01075sh@gmail.com.
Wednesday, Sept. 26th– Film showing of “Escape Fire: The Fight to Rescue American Health Care” and Q&A with Jon Weissman, Deborah Levenson, and Dr. Jeff Korff. Hosted by Resistance Films at Forbes Library, 20 West Street, Northampton, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 24th – “Medicare for All: A Forum for Health Care Professionals” at the Bangs Center, 70 Boltwood Walk, Amherst, 7:00-9:00 p.m. Launch event for Health Care Professionals for Single Payer, a new group affiliated with WMM4A. Contact Melanie Lewis: melaniewlewis@gmail.com