In addition to the nearly-250 SEIU discussions that have been scheduled, over 4,200 meetings have been scheduled nationwide.

From the New York Times:

"The Obama transition team has prepared discussion guides for people who participate in the health care meetings to be held in homes, community centers, churches, libraries and coffee shops around the country."

"Some of the people holding health care meetings were volunteers in Mr. Obama's presidential campaign. Some come from consumer groups like Health Care for America Now or from the Service Employees International Union, a strong, early supporter of Mr. Obama."

Not only is the discussion series shaping up to be massively successful (thanks to you!), but it's earning major kudos. As blogger Bob Laszewski says on Health Care Policy and Marketplace Review:

"About everyone, including the Obama health care team, believe...1993's top-down health care reform process was a big mistake. The new folks don't intend to make that mistake--good for them."

Some of the people holding health care meetings were volunteers in Mr. Obama's presidential campaign. Some come from consumer groups like Health Care for America Now or from the Service Employees International Union, a strong, early supporter of Mr. Obama.

Because of the massive interest, the New York Times is reporting that even the health insurance industry is "encouraging its employees and satisfied customers to attend." According to the New York Times, Obama transition team spokesperson Stephanie Cutter said that all parties and points of view are more than welcome at these gatherings:

"These are listening sessions,' Ms. Cutter said. 'We are trying to find people who share Obama's goal of health care reform, even if they disagree on the specifics.'"

Bob Laszewski (the blogger mentioned above) echoes that statement, stating that "health care is one of the biggest industries in the country, and it's completely legitimate for people who work in the industry -and certainly for satisfied customers of the industry- to show up and express themselves like any other citizen."

It's clear that the Obama team is trying to build some consensus among all parties. This makes it more than vital that caregivers like you attend these events. We're in the trenches every day, and our expertise absolutely needs to be heard.

To host your own house party, please visit http://action.seiu.org/healthcaremeetup/.