BOND TO ATTEND HEALTH CARE FORUM IN CAPE GIRARDEAU ON THURSDAY

U.S. Sen. Christopher Bond will participate in a Health Care Reform Forum in Cape Girardeau Thursday sponsored by the Community Caring Council and the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce.

"This is an excellent opportunity for our members and the area to voice their opinions about the future of health care in our nation," said Jeff Krantz, chairman of the Health Care and Human Services Committee of the council.

"We are looking forward to hearing not only from our membership while the senator is with us, but also from other concerned area citizens."

The forum will begin at 5 p.m. at the Show Me Center. Anyone interested in testifying may register at the event or call the Community Caring Council at 651-2099 or the Chamber of Commerce at 335-3312.

Bond is touring Southeast Missouri to hear concerns from citizens about health care. The senator also plans stops in Dexter, Sikeston, and Poplar Bluff.

Shirley Ramsey, coordinator of the Caring Council, said her organization hopes to hear a variety of views on health care reform.

"To accomplish this, we hope as many people as possible contact us with their concerns about this important issue," said Ramsey. "We fully realize the forum may not be able to accommodate everyone in attendance testifying personally; however, we would like to ensure the public that we will be sure that each and every comment will be shared with the senator."

Individuals unable to attend the forum who want to convey their opinions about the issue may send comments to the Community Caring Council, P.O. Box 552, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63702.