April 22, 2010

Dear California PNHP members and friends,

Earlier this month, California Physicians’ Alliance, the state chapter of Physicians for a National Health Program, announced their 2010 strategic plan- Single Payer Can Happen 2010. The plan describes seven objectives:

1) an executive director;

2) a renewed communication plan;

3) a membership growth strategy;

4) four regional chapters;

5) a district leader network;

6) a summer conference; and

7) the Shearer Medical Student Fellowship.

We believe the achievement of these goals, all focused on a grassroots strategy for physician activism, will make our organization a more robust partner in the California and national single payer movement. Over the next two weeks the Executive Committee will make seven announcements regarding significant developments in our reorganization plan.

Today, we make our first announcement.

1. A New Name- PNHP California

Beginning today, the California state chapter of Physicians for a National Health Program (PNHP), formerly CaPA, becomes PNHP California. For a transitional period of a few months, PNHP California will continue to make parenthetical reference to California Physicians’ Alliance (CaPA) to assist members in recognizing the change.

1a. A New Logo

PNHP California has created a new logo which incorporates our national PNHP logo, our state identity, the California grizzly, and our state organization’s slogan of determined optimism to achieve single payer. During a transition period of a few months, we will retain the California Physicians Alliance beneath California on our logo to assist members in identifying the transition.

Why change the name?

Over the last year, the single payer movement has learned the importance of unity and clarity of message in pursuit of a broader movement. We recognize the significant accomplishments of the California Physicians’ Alliance over their 23 year history and intend to continue that same tradition of passionate activism under the new name of PNHP California. We also recognize the tremendous research and policy expertise produced by Physicians for a National Health Program. The PNHP name has an intellectual and moral authority which has inspired thousands to join the single payer movement. The California chapter of PNHP believes that uniting under a common name and logo is one of several steps yet to be announced that will grow the physician movement for single payer in California.

We welcome your thoughts, please contact us at capa@pnhp.org, or call us at 510-665-8523.

PNHP California Executive Committee