Seven County Will Host…

A long awaited healthcare information and education session will be coming to Mora on October 13th.  The site will be the Mora Public Library and the event will run from 5:30 until 8 pm.
The forum will feature a unique assortment of healthcare experts who will help explain the current system.  They will also answer questions about possible healthcare reform proposals that have been put forth in the current healthcare  debate.
For any of you that have followed the discussion, there have been lots of proposals  put forth, some good and some not so good.
There also been a good deal of misinformation about what’s being discussed, which makes it tough for people to evaluate some of the ideas that are out there.  This education forum is targeted at helping to clear up some of the “gray” areas and make things a bit easier to understand. 
The panel of experts will represent, healthcare providers, administrators, reform advocates and county social services.  During each segment a panelist will present an explanation of their interaction with healthcare systems and also explain what kind of reforms might be needed.
Following the presentations, there will be a question and answer period giving the audience a chance to get their questions answered by members of the panel.
The healthcare education forum is co-sponsored by the Seven County Senior Federation and the Greater MN Health Care Coalition. 
The event is open to the public with no admission charge. Free will offerings will be accepted to help defray the cost of organizing the event.
Refreshments will be available.

GMHCC Meets With…

Members of the Greater Minnesota Health Care Coalition (GMHCC) gathered in Duluth to meet with Congressman James Oberstar in September.  The topic of their discussion was mostly about healthcare reform as well as how seniors are faring during the economic downturn.  Oberstar stated that he is in favor of a public option in healthcare reform as long as the Medicare benefits for seniors will not be adversely affected.  He said he was satisfied with recent proposed language changes that would help equalize the Medicare reimbursement rates around the country, as Minnesota is one of the lower reimbursed states on average.  
Healthcare reform legislation is currently being debated in a number of committees and is moving slowly forward.  Optimistic reports say that it’s possible that a bill could pass before the end of the year.  As always, Seven County urges its members to call their legislators and let them know how they feel about healthcare reform.

Volunteers Travel To Little Falls

    Over forty (40) Seven County volunteers took an all day excursion to Little Falls, MN to visit the Charles A. Lindberg museum and homestead.  The weather cooperated beautifully with temperatures in the lower 70’s and gorgeous sunshine. 
    After getting a half-hour guided tour of Lindberg’s boyhood home and watching a short film of his life, the touring group closely inspected the items spread out over the three floors of exhibits at the site.  Lindberg’s VW Beetle (car) attracted lots of attention as part of the exhibit. 
    Before the group left the Lindberg site they feasted on a delicious lunch on the outdoor patio overlooking the Mississippi River, which was a relaxing experience in itself.
    The volunteers then hopped back on the bus and headed down the road to the Minnesota Fishing Museum located in downtown Little Falls.  Childhood memories, and more, were stirred as the group walked among the thousands of pieces of fishing paraphernalia on display.  All in all it was a great day!

Thank you volunteers!