Baucus announces heath summit in Bozeman

published on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 9:50 PM MDT

By Chronicle Staff

Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., is putting on a health summit in Bozeman Aug. 9 and 10, his office announced Monday.

The summit will be free and will feature world-class experts and top foundation and business leaders discussing ways to improve health and promote wellness in small communities across the state.

Speakers include Sally Jewell, president and CEO of REI; Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, president and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation; and Neil Nicoll,

president and CEO of YMCA.

“With diabetes, obesity, and heart disease plaguing communities throughout Montana, it is crucial that we gather together and brainstorm solutions to improve the overall health of Montanans,” Baucus said in the announcement. “This summit will focus on how to confront these challenges and promote healthy lifestyles.”

Baucus, who is chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and a key player in health care reforms being discussed in Washington, will be on hand for the summit.

Baucus spokesman Ty Matsdorf said the summit is independent of the senator’s health care policy work, though he said promoting healthy lifestyles will be part of lowering how much the United States spends on health care.

According to Baucus, studies estimate that over a third of the $2.4 trillion spent on health care is due to lifestyle-related health problems. The summit will focus on the correlation between health and unhealthy lifestyle choices like tobacco use, unhealthy diets and lack of exercise.

The summit is free and open to the public, and lunch is included. Attendees must register online on the summit Web page prior to the event in order to participate.

Details of the summit and registration information can be found at http://www.makehealthhappenmontana.com.

Reader Comments

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lambert wrote on Jul 22, 2009 7:42 AM:

" So, what does a single payer advocate have to do, to get a set at the Baucus table? Get arrested? Like in Washington, DC?

This is simple arrogance from Baucus. He just won't learn! "

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friendlygoldens wrote on Jul 22, 2009 9:29 AM:

" We need to wake up and give Max the boot!

Do you remember Max and his active involvement and support for energy deregulation? Max got piles of money from Goldman Sachs and a job at Goldman for his son - in return for his support to bankrupt Montana Power. Goldman made millions by underwriting energy privatization......and we took the hit for big energy price increases.

Max is doing the same with health care. Blaming and screwing Montana families - while grabbing bags of money from the insurance companies.

Max has to go? Be organized and be VERY vocal for Max when he comes to Bozeman to hood wink us once again.

Max is no friend to Montana families! He is coin operated! "

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