We Can Do Better

We Can Do Better (formerly known as the Archimedes Movement[1]) (founded 2006) is a grassroots movement based in the U.S. state of Oregon, which aims to bring citizens and stakeholders together to design a health care system that "works better for everyone."[2] It was founded by former Oregon governor John Kitzhaber, M.D. in January 2006.[3] Kitzhaber's goal was to find a way to put money used for health care, which as of 2006 amounted to about $6.3 billion in Oregon, to better use.[4] That year, it was one of three organizations that drew substantially increased funding levels from the Northwest Health Foundation; its grant funds totaled $82,000.[5]

For the 2018 song by Matt Simons, see We Can Do Better (song)

In 2007, members of the organization initially "crowded the steps" of the Oregon Capitol in support of a bill before the 2007 legislature to establish the Oregon Health Trust,[6] but Kitzhaber later reversed his position, pulling his support from the bill and advising members of the organization that the then-current version of the bill did "not reflect the work…done by you through the Archimedes Movement."[7]

The organization's goal was to create a national grass-roots effort to reform health care, starting in Oregon.[8] It was founded on the belief that incremental change to existing health programs like Medicare and Medicaid will not be sufficient to solve their long-term problems, and that communities and coalitions outside the political world would need to form consensus around goals and values, and pressure lawmakers to make more fundamental changes.[3]

The organization's executive director, Liz Baxter, has advocated for health policy reform to members of the Oregon Legislative Assembly.[9] She also chairs the Oregon Health Insurance Exchange Board, established in 2011.[10]

The Archimedes Movement is a member of the Oregon Health Reform Collaborative.[11] The organization's original name was based on the ancient Greek mathematician Archimedes, who is quoted as saying "Give me a lever and a place to stand, and I can move the Earth."[4]

Notes and references

1. Bartlett, Amy (January 28, 2011). "Focus on accessible health care". Siuslaw News.
2. Brunk, Doug (February 1, 2008). "Movement Seeks Consensus on Health Reform". Skin & Allergy News.
3. Colby, Ira C.; Catherine N. Dulmus; Karen M. Sowers (January 2013). Connecting Social Welfare Policy to Fields of Practice. pp. 153–154. ISBN 978-1-1184-2096-6.
4. Christie, Tim (May 26, 2006). "Kitzhaber puts spotlight on health care". The Register-Guard.
5. Moody, Robin J. (August 13, 2006). "NW Health Foundation shifts toward reform role". Portland Business Journal.
6. Moody, Robin J. (March 18, 2007). "Oregon Health Trust bill could signal big changes: Ex-governor, legislators propose sweeping health reform". Portland Business Journal.
7. "Around Town: Kitzhaber ends support for health care reform bill". Portland Business Journal. April 22, 2007.
8. Esteve, Harry (April 10, 2010). "Former Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber touts centrist path he hopes will lead to old job". The Oregonian.
9. Kost, Ryan (January 28, 2012). "Woman shares family's stories as she advocates for health care bill". The Oregonian.
10. "Governor Kitzhaber Applauds Senate Confirmation of Oregon Health Insurance Exchange Board". Targeted News Service. October 9, 2011.
11. oregonhealthreform.org Oregon Health Reform Collaborative web site (as archived January 20, 2009)

External links

• We Can Do Better official web site

Further reading

• Op-ed by Executive Director Liz Baxter: Baxter, Liz (February 4, 2010). "It's time for Oregonians to start talking about health care". The Register-Guard.
• Op-ed by founder John Kitzhaber: Kitzhaber, John (May 21, 2007). "Treat the root cause in reform effort". The Register-Guard.
• Op-ed by Community Leadership Council member Michael Grady: Grady, Michael (August 26, 2009). "Health care reform, a sustainable model: 'Medicaid for all'". The Oregonian.