Nurse Talk

This time on Code WACK!

In honor of pride month, we’re examining the pivotal role the LGBTQ+ community has played in advocating for healthcare reform. Is it just a coincidence that most of California's single-payer bills have been introduced by lawmakers in the LGBTQ+ community? How can we further galvanize the community around this life-saving issue?

To find out, we spoke with Michael Lighty, president of the Healthy California Now Coalition, and former constituency director for Bernie 2020.

In honor of Pride month, we’re examining LGBTQ activism in health care. How did the HIV/AIDS crisis devastate the community and what pushed many members toward militant activism? What can the Medicare for All movement learn from AIDS activists?

To find out, we spoke with Michael Lighty, president of the Healthy California Now Coalition, and former constituency director for Bernie 2020.

Why do Black women have a 5-year mortality risk from endometrial cancer that’s 90 percent higher than White women? Is it about race or racism – and what can we do about it?

To find out, we spoke with Dr. Diljeet Singh, a women’s health advocate and integrative gynecologic oncologist who has practiced for nearly 25 years. She’s also the vice president of Physicians for a National Health Program, which advocates for Medicare for All.

This time on Code WACK!

Why is it that infant mortality rates in America differ by race? Why are some American babies more likely to be born premature or underweight than babies in other developed countries? And how could single-payer health care help?

To find out, we spoke with Dr. Diljeet Singh, a women’s health advocate and integrative gynecologic oncologist who has practiced for nearly 25 years. She’s also the vice president of Physicians for a National Health Program, which advocates for Medicare for All.

his time on Code WACK!

What would organized labor, and the workers they represent, gain under Medicare for All? Despite these gains, why are unions still divided on the issue? What would it take for labor to speak with a unified voice on this issue?

To find out, we spoke to Ada Briceño, co-president of UNITE HERE Local 11, which represents more than 30,000 hotel workers in Southern California and in Arizona. She's also a Democratic National Committee member, chair of the Orange County Democratic Party and was named one of Orange County’s 100 Most Influential by the Orange County Register four times since 2014.

This time on Code WACK!

Who’s the powerhouse behind the Orange County Democratic Party in California? Why is she raising her voice in support of Medicare for All as a union leader representing more than 30,000 hotel workers in Southern California and Arizona?

To find out, we spoke with Ada Briceño, co-president of UNITE HERE Local 11, who has dedicated her career to uplifting marginalized voices and bridging communities. Besides years of union organizing and political work, she has led many civil rights, immigrant rights, women’s rights and environmental efforts. She is a Democratic National Committee member and was named one of Orange County’s 100 Most Influential by the Orange County Register four times since 2014.

This time on Code WACK!

Are hospitals and health insurers incentivized to keep costs high? Are mergers and acquisitions in the healthcare sector helping - or hurting? How has the state of Maryland kept hospital costs in check – and how might other states do the same?

To find out, we spoke with Richard Master, CEO of MCS Industries, founder of Business Leaders for Health Care Transformation and executive director of American Hospitals, the latest film in his documentary series. He’s joined by Wendell Potter, a former health insurance industry communications executive, the New York Times best-selling author of Deadly Spin and president of Business Leaders for Health Care Transformation. This is the second episode in a two-part series about the film American Hospitals.

This time on Code WACK!

What led a CEO to produce a series of films to change America's healthcare system? What role do hospitals play in health care’s astronomical pricing? And what options do we have to rein in costs and make hospital care affordable to everyone?

To find out, we spoke with Richard Master, CEO of MCS Industries, founder of Business Leaders for Health Care Transformation and executive director of American Hospitals, the latest film in his documentary series. He’s joined by Wendell Potter, a former health insurance industry communications executive, the New York Times best-selling author of Deadly Spin and president of Business Leaders for Health Care Transformation. This is the first episode in a two-part series about the film American Hospitals.

Winning Medicare for All in the U.S. may be at a standstill at the federal level, but it's a different story In the states. In 2021 alone, 18 single payer bills were introduced in states such as Massachusetts, New York, Colorado, and Oregon.

Winning in California -- the most populous nation in the state -- could be a game changer. And, not one but two bills have been introduced in the California State Legislature this year.

What's the latest single payer bill introduced in the California Senate and how is it different from previous bills? How will it work with CalCare, which was introduced in the California State Assembly this year for the second time?

To find out, we spoke with Michael Lighty, president of the Healthy California Now Coalition, and former constituency director for Bernie 2020. What's the thinking behind this new strategy?

This time on Code WACK!

How does diversity in politics affect the policies that impact our everyday lives? What challenges do women face when running for office and once they get there, how do their life experiences influence their political work?

To find out, we spoke to California Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo, the only Democrat to unseat a Republican incumbent in the state assembly last November. This is the second episode in a two-part series.