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That’s a Wrap: Protect Our Care’s “Lower Costs, Better Care,” Bus Tour Concludes After Five Weeks Delivering the Message Help Is on the Way

By November 7, 2022No Comments

Care Force One Traveled Across 20 States, Made Over 40 Stops and Covered More Than 12,000 Miles in Five Weeks

Over the last five weeks, Protect Our Care’s Care Force One 12,000 mile tour made over 40 stops across 20 states to celebrate the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures to drive down health care costs and to let Americans know how and when they can access these new benefits. Read more about The Inflation Reduction Act’s health care provisions here.

Protect Our Care was joined by 8 Senators, 23 Representatives, 2 Governors, 4 Attorney Generals and Lt. Governors, 25 local officials, and dozens of health care advocates. Headliners of the events included, Governor Ned Lamont (D-CT), Governor Tony Evers (D-WI), Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA), Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN), Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO), Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Rep. Marcy Kaptur, Rep. Kathy Castor, Rep. Dina Titus, Rep. Joyce Beatty, Rep. Matt  Cartwright, Rep. Annie Kuster, Rep. Mark Pocan, Rep. Alma Adams, Rep. Ruben Gallego, Rep. Tom O’Halleran, Rep. Darren Soto, Rep. Susan Wild,  Rep. Angie Craig, Rep. Sharice Davids, Rep. Andy Kim, Rep. Susie Lee, Rep. Lucy McBath, Rep. Chris Pappas, Rep. Dean Phillips, Rep. Sanford Bishop, Rep. Carolyn Bourdeaux, Rep. Kathy Manning, Rep. Deborah Ross, Rep. Melanie Stansbury, and Rep. Shontel Brown.

Watch All Bus Tour Stops Here

 

BANGOR, ME:
October 3, 2022 – Protect Our Care was joined by Attorney General Aaron Frey, Ann Woloson from Consumers for Affordable Health Care, Marie Follayttar Smith from Mainers for Accountable Leadership, and Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate, for a press conference at Pierce Park. 

Coverage

Watch the event here.

PORTSMOUTH, NH
October 3, 2022 – At Prescott Park, Protect Our Care held a press conference with the U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas (NH-01), Zandra Rice Hawkins from Granite State Progress, Nancy Glynn from MomsRising, Joan Jacobs, breast cancer patient & senior on Medicare, Health care advocate Ansley Womble, Protect Our Care NH State Director Jayme Simões, and Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate.

Coverage

Watch the event here.

CONCORD, NH
October 4, 2022 – At New Hampshire State House, Protect Our Care held a press conference with U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster (D-NH-02), Hanan Babikir Bedri from NH Public Health Association, Gail Brown from NH Oral Health Coalition, Zandra Rice Hawkins from Granite State Progress, Lyn Lindpaintner from Kent Street, Lisa Beaudoin from ABLE NH, Nancy Glynn from MomsRising, and Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate.

Coverage

Watch the event here.

HARTFORD, CT
October 4, 2022 – At the Connecticut State House, Protect Our Care was joined by Governor Ned Lamont (D-CT), Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ayesha R. Clarke from Health Equity Solutions, Deby Gould, a Connecticut health insurance broker, and Laura Packard, cancer survivor and activist, for a press conference.

Coverage

Watch the event here

SCRANTON, PA
October 5, 2022 – Protect Our Care held a press conference with Senator Bob Casey, Representative Matt Cartwright (D-08), Robin Stelly for Pennsylvania Health Access Network, and Laura Packard, cancer survivor and activist.

Coverage

Watch the event here.

PHILADELPHIA, PA
October 5, 2022 – Protect Our Care held a press conference with Councilmember Helen Gym and Laura Packard, cancer survivor and activist.

Coverage

Watch the event here.

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ
October 6, 2022 – Protect Our Care held a press conference with U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-06), Laura Waddell for New Jersey Citizen Action, and New Brunswick Mayor James M. Cahill.

Coverage

MARLTON, NJ
October 6, 2022 – Protect Our Care held a press conference with Congressman Andy Kim (D-03), Laura Waddell for NJ Citizen Action, Burlington County Commissioner Allison Eckel, Willingboro Senior Center Director Reva Foster, and Myra Hirschhorn. 

PITTSBURGH, PA
October 7, 2022 – At the Pittsburgh City County Building, Protect Our Care held a press conference with State Rep. Dan Frankel, Laura Packard, cancer survivor and activist, and Erin Gabriel.

MORGANTOWN, WV
October 7, 2022 – At Mylan Park, Protect Our Care held a press conference with Michael Garcia, Regional Representative for Senator Manchin, Dr. Jessica Ice for WVAHC, Delegate Barbara Fleischauer, Delegate John Williams, Delegate Danielle Walker, Delegate Evan Hansen, Laura Packard, Mindy Salango, and Lynette Maselli for Protect Our Care WV.

COLUMBUS, OH:
October 10, 2022 – Protect Our Care was joined by Franklin County Commissioner Erica Crawley, Desiree Tims, President & CEO of Innovation Ohio, Norm Wernet, the Ohio President of the Alliance for Retired Americans, and Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate, for a press conference outside of Columbus City Hall.

Watch the event here.

CLEVELAND, OH:
October 10, 2022 – Protect Our Care was joined by Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Rep. Shontel Brown (D-OH-11), Steve Lieber, a Cleveland senior, former organized labor leader and retiree, and Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate, for a press conference at Willard Park.

Watch the event here.

FLINT, MI:
October 11, 2022 – Protect Our Care was joined by Michigan Rep. John Cherry, Linda Hamacher, Genesee County senior citizen and President Emeritus of the Genesee Health Plan, Dr. Lawrence Reynolds, interim President/CEO of the Greater Flint Health Coalition, and Laura Packard, health care advocate, stage 4 cancer survivor, for a press conference at Flint Farmers’ Market

Coverage

Watch the event here.

LANSING, MI:
October 11, 2022 – Protect Our Care was joined by Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, Dr. Farhan Bhatti, CEO and Medical Director of Care Free Medical, Eric Schneidewind, Delta Township resident and senior on Medicare, and Laura Packard, health care advocate, stage 4 cancer survivor, for a press conference at Michigan State Capitol. 

Coverage

Watch the event here.

MILWAUKEE, WI:
October 12, 2022 – Protect Our Care was joined by U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes, Attorney General Josh Kaul, Milwaukee area resident David Marstellar, a senior on Medicare, and Laura Packard, health care advocate, stage 4 cancer survivor, for a press conference.

Coverage

Watch the event here.

GREEN BAY, WI:
October 12, 2022 – Protect Our Care was joined by Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, Dr. Kristin Lyerly, MD/MPH, Vik V., NE Wisconsin Resident, and Laura Packard, health care advocate, stage 4 cancer survivor, for a press conference.

Coverage

Watch the event here.

EAU CLAIRE, WI:
October 13, 2022 – Protect Our Care was joined by State Senator Brad Pfaff, State Representative Sara Rodriguez,  local educator Julia B., and Laura Packard, health care advocate, stage 4 cancer survivor for a press conference.

Coverage

Watch the event here.

ST. PAUL, MN:

October 13, 2022 – Protect Our Care was joined by Senator Tina Smith, U.S. Rep. Angie Craig, U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips, MNsure CEO Nate Clark, Ken McInnis, a senior who will save on prescription drug costs for a press conference at Minnesota State Capitol.

Coverage

Watch the event here.

DES MOINES, IA:
October 14, 2022 – Protect Our Care was joined by Iowa Rep. Bruce Hunter, Laura Packard, Health Care Voter and Patient Advocate, Sue Dinsdale, Executive Director, Iowa Citizen Action Network, and Matt Sinovic, Executive Director, Progress Iowa, for a press conference at Iowa State Capitol.

Coverage

Watch the event here.

KANSAS CITY, KS:
October 14, 2022 – Protect Our Care was joined by U.S. Representative Sharice Davis (D-KS-03), Sharon Trapp Hendrix, KS Alliance for Retired Americans’ Donna Lehane, and Little Lobbyists’ Becki Uccello for a press conference at Rosedale Park. 

Coverage

Watch the event here.

RENO, NV:
October 17, 2022 – Protect Our Care was joined by Oscar Delgado, CEO of Community Health Alliance Katie Charlson, Nevada Health Link, and Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate, for a press conference at Community Health Alliance’s Sparks Health Center. 

Coverage

Watch the event here.

LAS VEGAS, NV:
October 18, 2022 – Protect Our Care was joined by Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV-01), Rep. Susie Lee (D-NV-03), Michelle Maese, President of SEIU Local 1107, Yarleny Roa-Dugan, Labor and Delivery Nurse, Steven Horner, Health Care Advocate, Erin Wicker Campbell, Health Care Advocate, and Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate, for a press conference at SEIU Local 110. 

Coverage

Watch the event here.

FLAGSTAFF, AZ:
October 18, 2022 – Protect Our Care was joined by Rep. Tom O’Halleran (D-NV-01), Rep. Elect Mae Peshlakai (D-NV-06), and Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate, for a press conference at North Country Community Health Center.

Coverage

Watch the event here.

PHOENIX, AZ:
October 19, 2022 – Protect Our Care was joined by U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ-07), Jevin Hodge, Carmen Heredia CEO for Valle del Sol Health Center, Dr. Karupanna, and Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate, for a press conference at Central Phoenix Valle del Sol Community Health Center.

Watch the event here.

TUCSON, AZ:
October 19, 2022 – Protect Our Care was joined by Former Arizona State Senator Kirsten Engel, Melissa Garcia, Chief External Affairs Officer for Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona, Carol Brown, healthcare advocate, and Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate, for a press conference at Planned Parenthood Southern Arizona Regional Health Center.

Watch the event here.

ALBUQUERQUE, NM:
October 20, 2022 – Protect Our Care was joined by U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM-01), Barbara Webber, Executive Director of Health Action New Mexico, Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate for a press conference at Albuquerque’s Civic Plaza.

Watch the event here.

DENVER, CO:
October 21, 2022 – Protect Our Care was joined by Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO), State Senator Julie Gonzales (D-CO), Mannat Singh, Executive Director of the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative, and Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate, for a press conference at The Colorado State Capitol Building.

Watch the event here.

LAKEWOOD, CO:
October 21, 2022 – Protect Our Care was joined by State Sen. Brittany Pettersen (D-CO-22), State Rep. Monica Duran (D-CO-24), Kyle Piccola, Healthier Colorado, Gail deVore, patient advocate, and Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate, for a press conference at Carmody Recreation Center.

Watch the event here.

GREENSBORO, NC
October 24, 2022 – Protect Our Care’s Care Force One was joined by Congresswoman Kathy Manning, State Senator Gladys Robinson, and Health Care Advocates at Center City Park in downtown Greensboro to highlight how the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures will lower premiums and prescription drug costs for millions of Americans. 

Coverage:

Watch the event here.

CHARLOTTE, NC

October 25, 2022 – Protect Our Care’s Care Force One was joined by Congresswoman Alma Adams, State Senator Jeff Jackson, and Health Care Advocates in Charlotte, NC to highlight how the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures will lower premiums and prescription drug costs for millions of Americans. 

Watch the event here.

DULUTH, GA
October 26, 2022 – Protect Our Care’s Care Force One was joined by Congresswoman Carolyn Bourdeaux, HHS Regional Director Antrell Tyson, Local Doctors and Patient Advocates in Duluth, GA to highlight how the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures will lower premiums and prescription drug costs for millions of Americans.

Watch the event here.

COLUMBUS, GA
October 26, 2022 – Protect Our Care’s Care Force One was joined by Congressman Sanford Bishop and Patient Advocates in Columbus, GA to highlight how the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures will lower premiums and prescription drug costs for millions of Americans. 

Coverage:

Watch the event here.

ORLANDO, FL
October 27, 2022 – Protect Our Care’s Care Force One was joined by Congressman Darren Soto, State Senator Victor Torres, and Health Care Advocates in Orlando, FL to highlight how the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures will lower premiums and prescription drug costs for millions of Americans. 

Watch the event here.

TAMPA, FL
October 27, 2022 – Protect Our Care’s Care Force One was joined by Chief Val Demings, Rep. Kathy Castor, Congresswoman Joyce Marie Beatty, and Health Care Advocates in Tampa, FL to highlight how the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures will lower premiums and prescription drug costs for millions of Americans. 

Coverage:

Watch the event here.

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL
October 28, 2022 – Protect Our Care’s Care Force One was joined by County Commissioner Jared Moskowitz, and Health Care Advocates in Ft. Lauderdale, FL to highlight how the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures will lower premiums and prescription drug costs for millions of Americans. 

Watch the event here.

MADISON, WI
October 31, 2022 – Protect Our Care’s Care Force One was joined by Senator Tammy Baldwin, Congressman Mark Pocan, and Health Care Advocates in Madison to highlight how the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures will lower premiums and prescription drug costs for millions of Americans.

Coverage:

Watch the event here.

TOLEDO, OH
November 1, 2022 – Protect Our Care’s Care Force One was joined by Congresswoman Kaptur and Health Care Advocates in Toledo, Ohio to highlight how the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures will lower premiums and prescription drug costs for millions of Americans. The groundbreaking legislation works to reduce racial inequities in health care, improve care for seniors, strengthen families, and save lives. 

Coverage:

Watch the event here.

DETROIT, MI
November 1, 2022 – Protect Our Care’s Care Force One was joined by Senator Stabenow and Health Care Advocates in Detroit, MI to highlight how the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures will lower premiums and prescription drug costs for millions of Americans. The groundbreaking legislation works to reduce racial inequities in health care, improve care for seniors, strengthen families, and save lives.

Watch the event here.

PHILADELPHIA, PA
November 2, 2022 – Protect Our Care’s Care Force One was joined by Senator Casey and Health Care Advocates in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to highlight how the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures will lower premiums and prescription drug costs for millions of Americans. The groundbreaking legislation works to reduce racial inequities in health care, improve care for seniors, strengthen families, and save lives.

Coverage:

Watch the event here.

ALLENTOWN, PA
November 2, 2022 – Protect Our Care’s Care Force One was joined by Rep. Susan Wild and Health Care Advocates in Allentown, Pennsylvania to highlight how the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures will lower premiums and prescription drug costs for millions of Americans. The groundbreaking legislation works to reduce racial inequities in health care, improve care for seniors, strengthen families, and save lives.

Coverage:

Watch the event here.

RALEIGH, NC

November 3, 2022 – Protect Our Care’s Care Force One was joined by Congresswoman Deborah Ross, State Senator Jay Chaudhuri, State Rep. Rosa Gill, and Health Care Advocates in Raleigh to highlight how the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures will lower premiums and prescription drug costs for millions of Americans. 

Watch the event here.

ATLANTA, GA

November 4, 2022 – Protect Our Care’s Care Force One was joined by Rep. Lucy McBath, State Sen. Michelle Au, MD, and Health Care Advocates in Raleigh to highlight how the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures will lower premiums and prescription drug costs for millions of Americans.

Watch the event here.