November 13, 1969

Dear Dr. Farber:

I believe you know a good deal about the work of

the Committee for National Health Insurance from Mrs.
Lasker and Me1 Glasser.  Now that we have had an
opportunity to meet personally in Mr. Blair's home, I want
to extend to you a very cordial invitation to join the
Committee.

Organized just a year ago, the 88 members.cf',our

group represent the medical and other health professions,
labor, management, the clergy, rural America,, youth, the
academic world -- in short, a Committee a5 broad based as
our c&ntry itself.
might see the caliber of the persons who have associated
themselves with this effort.

I attach a list of the members so that you

Our basic concern is that through universal

participation under the social insurance principle the present
non-system of health care be more effectively financed and
that through the financing mechanism encouragement be given
to sounder organization for the delivery of medical services.
We are convinced that the United States, which is spending
more dollars -- some $60 billion in 1969 -- and a larger per-
centage of its Gross National Product for health care than any
other nation in the world, can and should have more compre-
hensive health programs for all Americans than is possible in
our present chaotic organization.

With the help of an excellent Subcommittee of

technical specialists, we are in the process of working out a
program that will provide not only basic financing for compre-
hensive health services but will relate the financing to re-
organization of the dclivery system of the services.
Committee has adopted a Statement of Principles governing
the goals and general directions of its work, a copy of which
is enclosed.  These principles we believe form a sound basis
for developing an acceptable aod workable national health
insurance program.

The

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      We face no easy task. But with your help and
guidance , along with that of our other Committee members ,  I
am certain we shall eventually prevail.  We intend to mount a
major and continuing program which will educate the American
people and mobilize broad scale support for the changes in the
organization and financing of our health services which the
American people need and the times demand.

The members of the Committee and I would be

very pleased if you would accept our invitation to join us in
working together on this important program where both your
knowledge and influence can help us do the job long overdue in
our country.

I look forward to hearing from you.

I would

appreciate it, if you decide to join the Committee, if you
would have your secretary send me a biographical statement
for use by the Committee.

Sincerely ,

WPR:er
opeiu4 2
Encls.

Walter P. Reuther

Dr. Sidney Farber ,
Children's Hospital ,
35 Binney Street,
Boston, Massachusetts 02115