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 THE
PUBLIC INTEREST LAW CENTER OF PHILADELPHIA
Affiliated with the
Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
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Double the Impact of your gift!
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Thanks
to a generous challenge grant, the Independence Foundation will
match, dollar for dollar, gifts from all new donors, as
well as past supporters who make an increase in their contribution.
Help
us take advantage of this wonderful opportunity - please give as
generously as possible.
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LETTER
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Sitting in a
Miami courtroom on Monday, I was reminded of the power of persistence
as the long-awaited trial began against Florida state officials for
widespread, systemic failures to deliver medical and dental care to that
state's poorest children. Five years ago, after many years of
searching, we had the tremendous good fortune to enlist our dedicated
and talented co-counsel, the firm of Boies, Schiller &
Flexner. For our clients, and in particular the Florida Pediatric
Society and Dr. Louis St. Petery, the campaign for children's health
care has lasted even longer, beginning in the mid-1970s.
The Law Center's own work on ensuring that our poorest children have
adequate health care began in 1990, with a lawsuit in Pennsylvania that
resulted in more and better services.
In Florida, the trial will last many months and the fight is far from
over. But, with the brilliant opening by Boies Schiller lawyer
Stuart Singer, described in the New York Times link below, let us hope
that the long campaign is on its way to a new phase, one that will
secure decent health care for our nation's most vulnerable
children. As we enter the holiday season, please join us and help
us to achieve this essential goal.
Sincerely,
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FLORIDA
MEDICAID CASE HEADS TO TRIAL
 On December 7, 2009 trial
in a class action lawsuit on behalf of 1.2 million Florida kids,
including the Gorenflo family, pictured at right, began with opening
arguments by both sides. Two of the Gorenflo's seven adopted children
are named plaintiffs in the case. One of them - 10-year-old Thomas -
has multiple disabilities and requires a full-time nurse who makes sure
he does not choke on his saliva. He suffered scoliosis so bad it was
affecting his left lung, but when surgery was recommended in 2005 he had
to wait 16 months for the procedure; doctors say the delay worsened the
curvature in his spine.
After the first day of trial the New York times reported: "Doctors
and advocates suing the state used Florida officials' own words against
them during opening arguments of a trial Monday by playing video clips
of top health officials lamenting health care delays for Medicaid
patients."
A compelling clip showed former Florida health secretary Dr. Andrew
Agwunobi at a Medicaid conference in 2007 where he stated, ''The
biggest problem our agency faces is access to specialty care for
Medicaid recipients.'' In a deposition a year later Dr. Agwunobi
repeatedly stated that he could not remember making those
remarks. Read more in the article below:
"Fla.
Officials Lamented Medicaid Delays", New York Times, December 7,
2009
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ENVIRONMENTAL CLINIC ADVISES
HAZELTON, PA RESIDENTS CONCERNED ABOUT MINE RECLAMATION PROJECT
The Law Center's Public Health and Environmental Justice Project is
advising SUFFER (Save Us From Future Environmental Risks), a community
group of concerned citizens from Hazleton, Pennsylvania, where
low-income residents may soon find a controversial environmental
demonstration project in their backyard. More...
"Public Hearing
on Mine refilling project" WNEP16
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Happy Holiday
Shopping!
 Are you one of the 96 million people who will shop online
this holiday season?
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PHOTO
SHOW FEATURES INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES
Including
Law Center clients and friends
The show, entitled Value, features photos by artist Monica
Brofman.
December 8-14, 2009
Reception December 10, 6-9 pm
Tyler School of Art
Temple University
2001 North 13th Street, Lower Level
Philadelphia, PA
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FACEBOOK
USERS - ONLY THREE MORE DAYS TO VOTE!
Chase is donating $5 million to the charities that receive
the most votes in a Facebook contest before December 11th. With
your support the Law Center could win $25,000 or more! It only
takes a few seconds to vote for your charity. Please vote for the Law Center by clicking on this
link and ask your friends to do the same!
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The Public Interest
Law Center of Philadelphia is dedicated to advancing the Constitutional
promise of equal citizenship to all persons irrespective of race,
ethnicity, national origin, disability, gender or poverty. We use public
education, continuing education of our clients and client organizations,
research, negotiation and, when necessary, the courts to achieve systemic
reforms that advance the central goals of self-advocacy, social justice
and equal protection of the law for all members of society. www.pilcop.org
The Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia is a
registered charitable organization. A copy of the official registration
may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll
free within Pennsylvania 1.800.732.0999. Registration does not imply
endorsement.
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