Singer Marc Anthony and actor Lin-Manuel Miranda joined their voices Friday in support of the national campaign ‘Seven Days in June: Health is Primary’, which will take place June 1-7 with events in different states to protest against what organizers describe as cuts to the public health system in the United States.
For one week, the campaign – made up of health care workers, unions, religious leaders and civil rights groups – will hold assemblies and forums in cities such as Chicago, Miami, St. Louis, Kansas City, Austin and Orlando, among others.
Rallies and marches are also planned in San Francisco, San Diego, Denver, Harrisburg and Washington, D.C.
Also on June 5, communities across the country will hold vigils in memory of those who have died of HIV and in support of those who, according to organizers, could be affected by changes in healthcare funding.
That day also marks 45 years since the first Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report documented the first cases of what is now known as AIDS, “a reminder of the devastating consequences when a government fails to act with urgency in the face of a public health crisis,” the campaign statement said.
Marc Anthony raises his voice as a protest action
Latino stars Marc Anthony and Lin-Manuel Miranda raised their voices about the importance of health and urged the public to support the events.
“Health is paramount. Health touches every person, family, employer, community and our local economy. Lend your voice, share videos on social media or join one of the events,” Miranda said in a video released by organizers.
Miranda added that the health issue “is deeply personal,” recalling her family’s journey and stressing that “we have seen firsthand what happens when people can’t get the care and support they need.”
He noted that marginalized and underrepresented communities would, according to the campaign, be the most affected by possible changes to programs such as Medicaid, which targets low-income people.
“This is a time for our communities to come together and make their voices heard. Health affects every family, every community and every one of us,” he said.
Actor Noah Wyle, who also participates in the campaign, recalled that he grew up in a home where health was a central theme, as his mother is a nurse, and that part of his career has been linked to playing a doctor on television.
“Changes in healthcare funding are coming. Let’s be present from June 1-7. Our elected representatives need to listen to us and be accountable for their position,” he said, reported Agencia EFE.
Find out more at ‘QueOnnda.com’.
