Last week, the White House invited women of color to participate in a free audio-teleconference titled: “Why Women of Color Cannot Wait for Health Reform.”

Moderators of the teleconference were Tina Tchen, Executive Director for the White House Council on Women and Girls and Caya Lewis, Outreach Director for the HHS Office of Health Reform. The senior white house officials discussed the latest health reform from inside the Obama Administration; what it all means for women of color and how the community can support this historic effort.

“We are so excited by the tremendous interest we have garnered for this call,” said Silvia Henriquez, of The National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health said. “Over 700 people asked for this call-in information.”

Representatives from 32 different states were represented on Tuesday’s call and close to 400 callers participated in the teleconference, to discuss the impact of health reform for women and communities of color. This surpassed the expected number of 300 participants.

“As a growing demographic, women of color keep America working.  By 2042, people of color are projected to outnumber whites..” Henriquez stated.

“The current healthcare system is not working for women of color, whether because of discrimination or indifference” Henriquez added. “Women of color are more likely to be uninsured or underinsured, which means they are less likely to receive high-quality and/or preventive care,” she added.

“As mentioned, women of color play a significant role in providing health care to our families in America; 8 of 10 mothers in this country make sure children and spouses are receiving health care, and more than 10 percent are taking care of a sick or elderly relative. “ Tina Tchen noted.

She stated that the White House has heard its share of stories from women who make the tough choice of providing a “roof over their families’ heads” over health care for themselves.

She informed participants on the call that procedures such as mammograms will be covered under a reformed health care system.

Tchen also touched base on recent issues of discrimination, in particular gender rating; in which a female can be charged insurance premiums much higher than males of the same age.

One of the goals of reform is to “actually close the gap of disparities,” Caya Lewis stated, along with basic goal which is expanding coverage; this would include the preventative services that can help eliminate chronic illnesses.

A prime example mentioned on the call is the increasing rates of mortality in breast cancer amongst African-American women. Lewis stressed the cases of death are mainly because of the lack of access and of lack of preventative care (early detection).

Providing these services at no cost will begin to chip away at the gap that we see,” she added.

Lewis stated the White House is geared to train healthcare professionals that are culturally competent.

“A culturally diverse workforce is essential,” says Lewis, “It’s important to be able to speak and access resources to communicate with a diverse group of patients.”

Lewis also spoke of a system to monitor all communities (a data collection) that is detailed in the plans of both the house and the senate; this will help target specific needs of different ethnic groups. Sex, race, ethnicity and primary language are included in the general data collection within the federal program, which the white house feels is an essential variable in the fight against health care disparities. “What we are focused on now is making sure these efforts continue.” Lewis told participants.

Participants on last week’s call asked questions on critical issues, including affordable health care (keeping private insurance companies honest) for women of color, comprehensive reproductive health care, and health care for immigrants and HIV/AIDS health policies.

Callers were assured that the plan is in effect to provide a public heath care option that will provide affordable quality, stable health care for all Americans, including women of color. Tchen told participants that the President’s principal view is that a pubic option for health care is the overall best option, though the white house is open to other plans brought to the table.

“We are now closer to (health care reform) than we have ever been since the debate began some 40 years ago.” Tchen said. “We are still on track of the goal of a reform bill to be passed by the end of the year.”

If given the chance to communicate with legislators, Tchen encouraged participants to tell their stories. “Personal testimonies do hold merit,” she said. “I would not discount those personal stories. The more people who are brave enough to talk about how they’ve been personally affected, the harder it is for legislators to just turn away.  It’s (personal stories) the most powerful thing you can do and I thank all of those who have done so.”

What’s next for Women of Color United for Health Reform? They’re asking women of color to spread the word and join the national call-in day, on October 27, 2009 to urge federal representatives to pass real health reform. The goal is to receive 5000 calls from women of color across the country. To sign up for this campaign, go to www.womenofcolor­united.net/takeaction/#speak out.

“The tremendous turnout on this call is further evidence of the incredible stake women of color have in health reform,” said Miriam Yeung, Executive Director of the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum.  “As the pillar of our communities, we are organizing to demand health care that works for us as hard as we work for this country.”

“By helping women, we are helping the whole nation.” Lewis told participants.

The teleconference was sponsored by Women of Color United for Health Reform, which is a collaboration comprised of the Black Women’s Health Imperative, National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum and the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health. These groups are partnering to serve as a voice for women of color in America. Heathcare workers, activists, women in the private sector, students and faith-based community workers all took part in this event.

This article was originally published in the October 26, 2009 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper