In 2003, Federal legislation created the Citizens' Health Care Working Group … 14 men and women who reflect a broad geographic representation and a balance between urban and rural representatives … to listen to what citizens around the country like and don't like about our nation's healthcare system. Last month, Birmingham area residents were invited to participate in the nationwide discussion at a meeting at the UAB School of Public Health. Facilitated by Dr. Max Michael, dean and professor of the UAB SOPH, the meeting began with the opportunity to list the core values that should be used to decide the shape of healthcare in the future. After a lively discussion, the group had a lengthy list, but most agreed that universal access to care that was universal in quality, affordable and timely, summed up the most important aspects, although accountability on the part of the consumer with an emphasis on diet and exercise were also important to the group. Michael also posed four questions that Congress had asked in the legislation: What healthcare benefits and services should be provided? How does the American public want healthcare delivered? How should healthcare coverage be financed? And, what tradeoffs is the American public willing to make in either benefits or financing to ensure access to affordable, high quality healthcare coverage and services? Participants took a poll at the end of the meeting. The results will be added to those from around the nation through the end of the summer. Interim recommendations, developed June 1, are already listed on the Web site, and citizens are encouraged to comment on them before the final recommendations are submitted to the president and Congress in September. An impressive list of organizations supports this effort, including the American Association of Family Physicians, American College of Physicians, American Hospital Association, National Governors Association and the US Chamber of Commerce. The local meeting was organized by the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1657 and the Greater Birmingham Chapter of Democracy for America. Elise Fox, president of Local 1657, said they were involved in this issue because of its importance to union members and their employers. "When we go to the table to negotiate a contract, the first and most expensive thing on the table is health insurance," she explained. Fox admitted to being disappointed in the turnout at the meeting, but pointed out that anyone can participate through the poll and feedback options on the Web site. "It's not lack of interest. Everyone is interested in the cost of healthcare," she said. "But people need to be more aware. This group will make a difference, if they just get involved." For a complete list of supporting organizations, the chance to take the poll, and the opportunity to comment on the interim recommendations, visit www.citizenshealthcare.gov.