473 The Myths of Health Care Reform: The Health Educator’s Role

Thursday, April 2, 2009: 4:30 PM-5:30 PM
Tampa Convention Center: 3-4
AAHE/Implement Strategies/Interventions/Programs
Presider: Roderick T. Bartee, University of Wyoming-Laramie, Laramie, WY
Speakers: Thomas W. O'Rourke, University of Illinois, Champaign, IL; and Nicholas K. Iammarino, Rice University, Houston, TX
Health care reform is a matter of significant public concern. Calls for reform are ubiquitous from employers, employees, health providers, politicians and the public. Problems of costs, availability, access, quality and satisfaction have been well documented. Yet, efforts to achieve significant reform remain elusive. This presentation identifies and addresses myths impeding health care reform while enhancing health educators' understanding of the health care industry and public policy initiatives aimed at meaningful reform efforts.