Rep. Pettigrew launches community access meetings

Motivated by community needs, Pettigrew facilitates access to specialists for recession-hit families

May 15, 2009

SEATTLE - In response to one of the steepest economic downturns in twenty years, Rep. Eric Pettigrew (D-Seattle) will launch a series of interactive community meetings to help struggling families and individuals access specialists within health care and additional topics of concern in the 37 District.

“Where can I go when I’m no longer on the Basic Health Plan? How can I afford to care for my elderly mother? What do I do if my child needs to see a doctor, but it’s not an emergency? These are all questions I’m faced with every day,” Pettigrew said. “People need immediate answers, and I want to provide them with an opportunity to ask trained professionals.”

Starting on June 1, Pettigrew will be joined by specialists who will be ready to answer questions that cover nearly all areas of health care.

“This is an inclusive effort to provide for all members of our community including children, elderly, People with disabilities, and more,” Pettigrew said. “I want people of all backgrounds to feel comfortable asking questions and find ways to counter the severe implications of tough economic times.”

Meeting topics are currently generated by constituent feedback via email. In addition to health care, Pettigrew has already arranged upcoming meetings on education, as well as employment and finances.

All community access meetings are free and open to the public. To view a schedule of upcoming meeting topics, locations and more, please visit Pettigrew’s Web page at www.housedemocrats.wa.gov/members/pettigrew/.

　

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Contact: Rep. Eric Pettigrew (206) 587-5543; Pettigrew.eric@leg.wa.gov

Downloadable photo: http://leg.wa.gov/documents/House/Members/Photos/pettigrew.jpg