PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Physicians for a National Health care Program (PNHP) issued a call for a day of action for Improved Medicare for All to take place on April 8, 2017 the first day of Congressional Recess, and a group of eight local activists took to the streets to rally in Aroostook County.
Retired English teacher turned activist Alice Bolstridge said she’s out to save the world and, to her, Saturday’s rally was another step closer to a brighter future.
“I’m an activist for social justice so I spend a lot of time working for better health care,” she said.
Participants in the Presque Isle rally marched outside Maine legislative offices including Senator Angus King’s office on Academy Street, Congressman Bruce Poliquin’s office on Main Street and Sen. Susan Collins’ office on Sweden Street in Caribou.
Although the offices were closed on Saturday, marchers did receive honking horns and thumbs up in support of their efforts from folks passing by.
“(It’s about) consciousness raising, trying to get the public riled up about (health care) because it’s the voters who ultimately have the influence on politicians,” Bolstridge said.
Participants including Bolstridge were Marie Faggiole, Jane Caulfield, Lorette Adams, Darrell Adams, Stan and Gail Maynard, Jamie Smith and Shelly Mountain.
The rally also made a stop in front of The Aroostook Medical Center.
A similar rally concerning health care was held this past January on Main Street in Presque Isle.
