“Project Access NOW: Impact, Return on Community Investment and Beyond”

WHAT:          Linda Nilsen-Solares, executive director of Project Access NOW, and Michael Bonazzola, M.D., assistant professor of medicine (general internal medicine) in the Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine and volunteer medical director for Project Access NOW, will host a discussion about an innovative program to meet the needs of the uninsured.People without insurance rely on low-cost community safety net clinics for primary care, but when acute or specialty care needs arise, uninsured people face daunting obstacles. As part of Project Access NOW, physicians in the Portland metropolitan area, including all specialty clinicians at OHSU, have come together to help partly alleviate this problem.

WHEN:          Monday, April 27, noon – 1 p.m.

WHERE:       OHSU Hospital Auditorium, room 8B60

“Who Pays for the Uninsured?”

WHAT:          Oregon Sen. Alan Bates will speak about the uninsured’s cost to society, and to each one of us.

WHEN:          Monday, April 27, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

WHERE:       OHSU Auditorium (Old Library building)

“Perspectives on Covering the Uninsured: A Panel Discussion”

WHAT:          A variety of health care professionals will offer their perspectives on the best methods for ensuring universal health coverage.

WHEN:          Tuesday, April 28, noon – 1 p.m.

WHERE:       OHSU Auditorium (Old Library building)

“What YOU Can do to Spread the Message About Health Care Reform”

WHAT:          Evan Saulino, M.D., family medicine physician at Providence Medical Group Gateway Clinic will discuss how we as individuals can effect health care reform.

WHEN:          Wednesday, April 29, noon – 1 p.m.

WHERE:       OHSU Auditorium

“Voices of the Uninsured”

WHAT:          Students recorded stories from individuals in the community who have been physically, emotionally and financially devastated by a medical issue. These audio recordings will be broadcast in Pioneer Courthouse Square.

WHEN:          Friday, May 1, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

WHERE:       Pioneer Courthouse Square

“Health Screening Fair in Partnership With Potluck in the Park”

WHAT:         OHSU medical, nursing, physician assistant, dental and pharmacy students will provide basic health screenings, including blood pressure, body mass index, and eye checks and foot exams. Physicians will be available to provide consultation on these and other issues.

WHEN:          Sunday, May 3, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

WHERE:       O’Bryant Square, 808 S.W. Stark Street, Portland

About OHSU

Oregon Health & Science University is the state’s only health and research university, and Oregon’s only academic health center. OHSU is Portland's largest employer and the fourth largest in Oregon (excluding government). OHSU's size contributes to its ability to provide many services and community support activities not found anywhere else in the state. It serves patients from every corner of the state, and is a conduit for learning for more than 3,400 students and trainees. OHSU is the source of more than 200 community outreach programs that bring health and education services to every county in the state.