Through presentations by outstanding authorities on health policy, we seek to learn as much as possible about the universal health care systems of other nations with comparable economies and to share that knowledge with others. We will focus on objective data, the reality of the political developments that led to their establishment and the current issues associated with their maintenance. In this way, we can create a clear foundation for debate and discussion as to how we in the United States can develop our own universal health care system. Comprehensive health care reform is moving to the center stage of public concern and we can help generate the necessary knowledge for answers for these concerns.

We believe that comprehensive reform is essential to protect the public health of the nation, that it is feasible and that it will provide a higher quality of health care for all.

The presentations will continue each month in the spring of 2002. They will cover the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada and France. The texts of the presentations will be the core of a special issue on comprehensive health care reform of the American Journal of Public Health scheduled for December 2002.

Everyone engaged in any aspect of health care can play a vital role in this essential work of public education. If you are a member of an organization concerned with health policy, please talk with us about having that organization join the many distinguished academic institutions, professional societies and civic organizations that are the sponsors of Rekindling Reform.