Guaranteed Healthcare

By Donna Smith 

ROCHESTER, New York -- On a gorgeous fall day in New York state, nurses of the National Nurses Organizing Committee and the California Nurses Association brought the healthcare report card bus into Rochester for more education and outreach to voters who are watching their own ability to afford healthcare and access appropriate care wane. Though a brisk breeze was blowing, the bright sun and vibrant fall colors framed the day with natural beauty.

Citizens gathered to talk about their own struggles and to listen to RN Geri Jenkins, CNA/NNOC Council of Presidents.  One young couple stood patiently waiting to meet Geri, and Geri learned a great deal from the couple about the issues America's veterans face in when they return home with injuries.  One such veteran, William Reynolds of Rochester, was injured in November 2004 while serving in the U.S. Army in Baghdad, Iraq. (and read more on the next page as well)