1. For Immediate Release
August 18, 2009
CONTACT:
Kathy Marma
Associate Manager – Media Relations
727-592-8004 (office)
727-698-5429 (cell)
kmarma@aarp.org
or
Dave Bruns
Communication Manager
850-577-5161 (office)
850-228-2759 (cell)
dbruns@aarp.org
(For media use only, not for publication.)
AARP Florida Sponsoring Health Reform Forum
AARP leader will discuss the current state of our health-care system and help area
residents learn the facts about proposed health reform legislation
Jacksonville, Fla. – Health reform is the hottest topic in conversation these days, and
Duval County residents owe it to themselves to get the facts on this important issue.
AARP will hold two “community conversations” Wednesday in Jacksonville featuring
Jeff Johnson, AARP Florida's Health Reform Campaign Manager. Johnson will provide
residents with the latest on the debate in Washington and also will outline what AARP
believes should be important elements that must be part of health reform.
"At this forum, we’ll share what we know about the proposals currently being discussed,
answer as many questions as we can, and gather your views on health reform so AARP’s
leaders know what your views are," said Johnson. “This is your chance to learn more
about what is really at stake in this debate, and to have your voice heard.”
At the forums, Johnson will outline the six specific elements that must be apart of health
reform, including closing the Medicare Part D coverage gap and ensuring that 50- to 64-
year-olds have access to affordable health care choices.
AARP is interested in hearing what community residents have to say about health reform
and will take their comments to leaders of AARP’s health reform efforts who are
lobbying on Capitol Hill in Washington.
Congressional members will be in their home districts for the August recess. AARP urges
everyone to show up in their district offices and voice their views on health-care reform.

2. For an update from AARP Bulletin on myths about health reform, go to:
http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourhealth/policy/articles/health_care_reform2.html
For more information on AARP’s “Health Action Now” campaign go to
www.healthactionnow.org
AARP offers a wealth of Florida-specific information to benefit Floridians 50+ at
www.aarp.org/fl
With more than 2.8 million members in Florida, AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan
membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control
in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. We produce
AARP The Magazine, published bimonthly; AARP Bulletin, our monthly newspaper;
AARP Segunda Juventud, our bimonthly magazine in Spanish and English; NRTA Live &
Learn, our quarterly newsletter for 50+ educators; and our website, www.aarp.org.
AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and
empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers,
donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia,
Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
###