I’m sure most of you have seen the new “Harry and Louise Return” commercial by now. The commercial is part of a new campaign for health care reform, and it will continue to air on national television throughout the Democratic and Republican National Conventions. The common goal of the campaign is to encourage the next President, whether it is Barack Obama or John McCain, and Congress to focus on significant health care reform. The campaign is sponsored by five leading organizations:

American Cancer Society’s Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) - The advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society. They aim to improve access to quality, affordable health care nationwide. By focusing on cancer patients, the Cancer Action Network sheds a light on the multiple problems with health insurance, including inadequate coverage, too little emphasis on prevention and early detection of life-threatening diseases, and insufficient care for those with chronic conditions. Visit them at www.acscan.org.

American Hospital Association (AHA) - A not-for-profit association of health care provider organizations and individuals, who are dedicated to improving the health of their communities. The association includes over 5,000 hospitals, health systems and health care organizations, and 38,000 individual members. They have developed The Health for Life Framework, which details a way to achieve better health and health care in America. The major elements of the Framework for health care reform include: health coverage for all, paid for by all; a focus on wellness; efficient, affordable care; high quality care; and quality information. For more information, visit www.aha.org.

Catholic Health Association (CHA) - An association of not-for-profit sponsors, systems, and facilities who are committed to improving the health status of our nation’s communities. They aim to achieve quality and compassionate health care that works for everyone. Visit them at www.chausa.org.

Families USA - The national organization for health care consumers. A non-profit, non-partisan organization aimed at achieving high quality, affordable health care for all Americans. They believe our nation should provide universal health care to all citizens. The group works at the national, state, and community levels. For more information, visit www.standupforhealthcare.org.

National Federal of Independent Business (NFIB) - The nation’s leading small business association. Their mission is to promote and protect the right of their members to own, operate, and grow their businesses. They aim to give small and independent business owners the opportunity to voice their concerns over public policy issues that affect their business. For the last several years, NFIB members have noted rising health care costs as their top concern. Visit them at www.FixedForAmerica.com.

This is the second campaign to feature Harry and Louise, two regular, hard-working Americans concerned about the United States health care system. The first campaign was aired during the Clinton era. While the Harry and Louise campaign makes a few interesting points, and focuses on the ever-present need for health care reform, will it be enough to persuade the next President?