At each stop, speakers promoted President Obama’s efforts to reform the health care system and shared stories about their frustrations with the current system.
A large group sings “This Land is Your Land” after stepping off the bus Thursday afternoon at the courthouse in downtown Fairmont.
But the words to the song are a bit different.
Instead of singing “this land is made for you and me;” the people sing, “reform is good for you and me.”
Meagan Gardner is the state director of Organizing for America, a grassroots organization that sponsored the tour.
“We’re taking to the streets and talking to people about health care, and President Obama’s plan for health care," she said.
“He wants to create stability and security for all, and options for people who don’t have any, and make sure costs go down for absolutely everyone.”
At each stop, speakers gave presentations about the need for reform.
In Fairmont, registered nurse Crystal Copeland talked about her struggle to get adequate health care coverage after being diagnosed with rheumatory arthritis.
With what insurers classify as having a pre-existing condition, Copeland’s medical bills are high. She choked back tears as she spoke to the crowd.
“I have probably spent about $5,000 or more out of pocket this year alone, with co-pays, deductibles, and insurance premiums,” she said.
“I am the face of health care,” she said, “I have sold my house, and I have moved back in with my parents.”
There were no protesters at the Fairmont stop, but Gardner says protesters came to the Weirton, Wheeling, and Parkersburg stops.
The final stop was in Morgantown Thursday evening.