National Cover the Uninsured Week is "a national effort to highlight the fact that too many Americans are living without health insurance and demand solutions from our nation's leaders." The website provides reports and statistics for each state; click here to view Washington's. A few highlights include the following percentages: 87.2% of the population has health insurance; 53.8% of employers in Washington state offer health insurance to employees, and 87.5% of population that could get medical care when needed.

On Monday, March 15, our panelists will climb onto the Town Hall stage representing a handful of great organizations in Washington State to talk about local health care innovations in the face of our current challenges, and we wanted to share a little bit about what they do. (All text is taken from the organization's website, which is linked.)

Community Health Network of Washington -- CHNW works - through public policy and advocacy, and a health insurance plan, to overcome barriers that hinder individuals’ and families’ access to health care, including geographic location, insurance status, and income.

Washington Health Foundation -- WHF's vision is to make Washington state the healthiest state in the nation - all the work of WHF is geared toward improving the measures which determine our state's health ranking, and in engaging leaders, policymakers, businesses and the public in creating big social change on this issue of health.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services -- Each year, more than 2.1 million children, families, vulnerable adults and seniors come to DSHS for protection, comfort, food assistance, financial aid, medical care and other services.

WithinReach -- WithinReach is committed to ensuring optimal health for all families through information and referral services, nutrition outreach programs, statewide coalitions; and public health materials.