About Us

This project began when a small group of citizens and members of Cedars Unitarian Universalist Church on Bainbridge Island, Washington, came together to talk about health care in the U.S. After our initial meeting we wanted to do more than just talk.

We searched the Internet and our own resources and could not find a "learning tool" that would do what we had in mind. So, we developed this discussion series, Everyone's Health Counts.

We imagined everyday people joining together in small groups to study this critical issue. We imagined “graduates” of this grassroots effort as informed and empowered proponents of real change – perhaps starting new study circles, creating local events, writing Letters to the Editor and to their State and National representatives, and just generally spreading the word. We believed that citizens can create “think tanks” too. Now we know first hand that they can.

This Study Circle Guide was tested with a group of 14 individuals. Feedback, during and after our six sessions, helped us to make improvements to the Guide. Interest in our project began to grow, and soon we set about creating a web presence for Everyone's Health Counts! This site provides all of the links you will need to Print the Study Guide, complete the six sessions, and to contribute to what we know is a growing grassroots movement.

Wishing you good health and better health care for all,

The Curriculum Committee
Barbara Clarke, Karen Scarvie, and Joanna Garritano, MD

Barbara Clarke has an M.A. in Health Services Administration and worked as an executive for 15 years in managed care. She currently works in fund development for a nationally recognized non-profit agency that brings generations together through adult health and childcare/early learning programs. She is knowledgeable about health care systems, is an experienced health and wellness writer, completing a novel about health care, and one of the co-creators of the Health Care Study Circles project.

Karen Scarvie retired in 2006 after a 35 year career as owner of a successful retail business. As a founder and past president of ASTRA, the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association, she understands the concerns of small business owners. In her leadership role, she witnessed the explosive increase in the cost of health care coverage and its effect on the health of small businesses throughout the country. Karen is a co-creator of the Health Care Study Circles project and holds an MA in Psychology.

Joanna Garritano is a residency trained and board certified Emergency Medical Physician who currently practices at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle. Through her work in the Emergency Department she witnesses the inequities of our current health care system and has become a dedicated health care justice advocate. She is a past president of the Western Washington chapter of Physicians for a National Health Program in 2007 and currently a board member. She also serves on the board of the Washington State chapter of Physicians for Social Responsibility.