Slideshow: White House Regional Forum on Health Reform – Los Angeles, California

The forum brought together citizens in Los Angeles and connected with residents of San Diego, Clovis, and Oakland, California via satellite.

Dr. Mehmet Oz assisted in moderating the forum. Melody Barnes, Governor Schwarzenegger and Governor Gregoire heard from doctors, nurses, health care advocates, and Americans from across California and Washington state about why we need health reform this year.

Governor Gregoire speaks at the regional forum about an issue close to her heart: health care for children. She said the state of Washington will meet its goal to insure every child by 2010, thanks to the reauthorization of the Children’s Health Insurance Program.

Governor Schwarzenegger made a point at the Los Angeles forum to stress the importance of prevention as a way to improve public health and reduce costs.

Governor Schwarzenegger addresses the fifth and final Regional White House Forum on Health Reform as White House Domestic Policy Council Director Melody Barnes looks on.

Governor Schwarzenegger thanks the participants who have shared their stories at the forum, including one who shared a story about having her health policy cancelled by her insurance company. He said it is unacceptable that many in the audience and around the country have to live in fear, even when they have an insurance policy.

Governor Schwarzenegger closes the forum by urging everyone in attendance to stay involved in the health reform effort. He says we cannot move forward without the voices of concerned Americans.