2002 Health Rally at the Capitol

A select group holding banner	SNMA members

On April 16, 2002,CHM students rallied in support of "Eliminating Health Care Disparities: A Prescription for the 21st. Century." It was called the Michigan Health Care Rally and sponsored by the CHM and American Medical Student Association, AMSA.

Student National Medical Association, SNMA, co-presidents Myrvine Bernadotte and Courtney Crawford had a message for the occasion. Bernadotte:

Other student bodies that showed support included American Medical Association Medical Student Section, Tobacco Free Michigan Active Doctors, Family Medicine Interest Group, Physicians for Social Responsibility and Wayne State School of Medicine.

	Mark Rabbat (white coat)	The 11 speakers

The occasion started with a pre-rally gathering in front of MSU Life Sciences Building at 12 noon. Activities shifted to the State Capitol where Mark Rabbat, AMSA co-president gave his welcoming remarks after which rally speeches began. Notable among the speakers were Dr. Ruth Hoppe, Professor of Medicine and Associate Dean, CHM; keynote speaker Dr. Quentin Young, an internist from Hyde Park Chicago and a Clinical Professor of preventive medicine at the University of Illinois Medical Center. Others include Jaya Agrawal a medical student at Brown University Washington DC; Dr. Howard Brody, CHM Professor of Family Practice and Philosophy;Rev Clayton Thomason, CHM Assistant Professor and State Representative, Virg Bernero, representing the 68th. District House Seat.

Audience listening

About 10 organizations presented educational and resource information at booths. They include Ingham Community Voices Initiative -- Ingham County Health Department, Free Clinics of the Great Lakes Region, Michigan Public Health Institute, Ingham County Regional Medical Center and Great Lansing African American Health Institute.

Tours of the Capitol Building and live entertainment from the band, Mason's Case, followed, among other things. Mr. Rabbat made the closing remarks at about 4 PM.