Brooke Ellison - Author and Motivational Speaker

Press Releases

BROOKE ELLISON CALLS FOR ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE
TO IMPROVE THE MIDDLE CLASS

April 3rd, 2007
For Immediate Release
Contact: 631-240-4412

In response to the Drum Major Institute's recent report, "Saving Our Middle-Class", longtime stem cell research and health-care advocate, Brooke Ellison, issued the following statement:

"This report makes clear the urgency of providing better access to health care for New York", Ellison said. "As a recipient of the benefits of health care, I know all too well how important it is to protecting individuals and families in need. It is disheartening that, especially in New York, the lives of so many are put in jeopardy by inadequate access to care and coverage. Improving the quality of our lives relies on improving the access to health care".

"Saving Our Middle Class" indicated that an overwhelming 92 percent of New York City residents believe expanding state-subsidized health insurance programs would have a positive impact on building its middle-class. Similarly, the report suggested improving utilization of Medicaid and reducing cost of prescription drugs as important ways to address New York's health-care problem.

"Tackling the challenge of access to health care, providing coverage, and securing treatment must be at the forefront of New York's policy decisions", Ellison continued. "Gov. Spitzer has begun to lay this groundwork and has moved New York in a positive direction. New York has been built on its middle class, and, as the Drum Major Institute's report demonstrates, the middle-class can be built by improving health-care".

Brooke Ellison was hit by a car in 1990, an accident that left her paralyzed from the neck down and dependent on a ventilator to breathe. However, Brooke never let her physical situation stand in her way. After graduating with honors from Harvard University, Brooke published an autobiography, which was made into a movie directed by Christopher Reeve. She has worked for more than a decade as a public speaker, delivering a message of hope. Brooke, now 28, received a Master's degree in public policy from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government in 2004, and in 2006, Brooke was a candidate for New York State Senate. Brooke has continued her work as an advocate, advocating for health care and stem cell research.

For more information about Brooke Ellison, please visit www.brookeellison.com.