Physicians for a National Health Program and the Campaign for New York Health have endorsed The Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival, as have several other doctors’ advocacy organizations. The Poor People's Campaign is uniting people nationwide to challenge systemic racism, poverty, the war economy, ecological devastation, and healthcare inequities. Their demands include “the expansion of Medicaid in every state and the protection of Medicare until the full implementation of single-payer universal health care for all.”

The Poor People's Campaign will launch by engaging in 40 days of highly publicized, non-violent direct action in 30 states between May 13 and June 21, culminating in a major rally in Washington, DC on Sat., June 23. This will include rallies and civil disobedience in state capitals each Monday (except for Tues., May 29, because of Memorial Day on Monday). The Albany actions will be on May 14, May 21, (Tues.) May 29, June 4, June 11, and June 18, each week with a particular political theme. We would especially encourage participation in the June 4 actions, for which the theme is environmental protection and the right to healthcare access. Whether on June 4 or the other dates, it’s a great opportunity to bring our demand for universal, single-payer healthcare to a wider audience. We also hope you'll join us in Albany on Tuesday, June 5 for the annual Rally and Lobby Day for the New York Health Act!

A White Coats Brigade in the Poor People’s Campaign is being organized by health professionals and health-profession students (physicians, nurses, PAs, social workers, etc.) to participate in their white coats or other professional attire (scrubs, etc.). Besides offering a visible white-coat presence at actions, health professionals will provide any needed medical aid.

Please indicate below if you would like to join any of the actions in Albany, either as part of the White Coats Brigade or as a non-health-professional supporting single-payer. If you have questions, email [email protected]. Once you RSVP, you will receive an email with details for how to register for each action and a volunteer sign up for Capital District Volunteers.

Here are the themes for each week of the 40 Days of Action:

Mon., May 14: Child Poverty, Women and people with Disabilities
Mon., May 21: Systemic Racism, Voter Suppression and Immigration
Tues., May 29: The War Economy, Veterans and Education
Mon., June 4: Ecological Devastation and Health
Mon., June 11: Systemic Poverty, Jobs, Income and Housing
Mon., June 18: Challenging the Nation’s Distorted Moral Narrative

Transportation is being coordinated from all over New York State.

Please RSVP and we will do our best to connect everyone to the buses and carpools. Thank you!

The PNHP Metro Chapter is committed to building a truly statewide movement for universal single-payer health care. Your donations will help us to continue this important work.