Question:
How Do We Make Changes In Oregon's Legislation For WLS Needs?

There are so many of us in the state of Oregon who are active in WLS support groups, etc. I believe it's possible to network with each other to make contact with our State Representatives to make changes in our legislation so NO insurance company can deny coverage for WLS. This is no small task, but one that I believe is vital. There have been people on this website trying to get help with organizing a grass-roots campaign to make changes in our legislation. We can follow the example of several other states that have successfully made these changes. If we could get the WLS pre-ops and post-ops from Oregon and elsewhere organized, we can make our voices heard. An email campaign might be a good thing to look into. There is power in numbers and the number of WLS pre-ops and post-ops in Oregon is significant. With the additional support of WLS pre-ops and post-ops from around the country, we will get the attention of our legislators! Please contact me if you're interested in this project. If there are already plans in action for this cause, contact me so I can add my voice to yours. If you agree that legislation needs to be added so insurance companies cannot deny our basic human rights, contact me so we can talk about organizing a campaign. I've never done anything like this before, but I'm willing to jump in with both feet. Won't you join me?    — Tammy R. (posted on September 18, 2002)

September 18, 2002
Hi, I am with you on this, first may I suggest everyone in Oregon that wants to help with this register to vote because the legislatures tend to listen to voters more than non-voters. we could ask Walter lindstom for help.
   — Grace H.

October 23, 2002
Thank you Grace for responding to my post. I'd like to encourage you, and anyone else who is interested, to contact me via email to sign-up at the Yahoo! Group I started. This group is a way for all of us in Oregon (and other states too) who are interested in taking part in the campaign to have our State Legislation pass an Obesity Anti-dismination Policy. Understandably, there is a great deal of interest on this issue. Please email me and I'll send you and invitation to join the Oregon Legislature to Support WLS group at Yahoo!
   — Tammy R.