As you are all well aware, unless of course you have no access to TV, radio, newspapers, magazines, internet; or have that one friend that insists on telling you where they stand in this election… Gus?! We are in the midst of an historical election year. Never has there been so much coverage on a Presidential election, all due in part to the diversity amongst the candidates and the critical issues at hand. This will be the first time an African-American is the head candidate for the democratic party and hopefully not the last. Another historical fact is that both candidates are currently seated as Senators and it will be the first time since JFK that a sitting Senator will become President elect. Although it is not offical, it will be John McCain vs. Barack Obama.

So how does the upcoming election affect you and your position as a healthcare provider? Each election there are a number of pivotal issues that are addressed and none greater than healthcare reform. As a nurse or allied health professional you witness firsthand the importance of affordable and quality healthcare, but not everyone has the access needed. Unfortunately in the US there are 47 million people without health insurance, of those, 9 million are children. Besides the lack of insurance, it is almost impossible for one to pay for healthcare as costs are skyrocketing; Health insurance premiums have risen 4 times faster than wages over the past 6 years. The nation faces epidemics of obesity and chronic diseases as well as new threats of pandemic flu and bioterrorism. Yet despite all of this less than 4 cents of every health care dollar is spent on prevention and public health. So where does your candidate stand? Find out at Health08.org.