A healthcare community discussion forum was hosted by the Americus/Sumter County Chamber of Commerce and local businessman, Russ Childers, on Tuesday.

Members of the community were invited to attend this hour to two-hour-long event, which was hosted in cooperation with The Obama-Biden Transition Project.

As part of the transition process for the new President, the Obama-Biden Transition Project, has guided citizens around the country to organize and promote such forums.

Childers stated that, “I have been in the health insurance business since 1972, and will take office as president of the National Association of Health Underwriters, the largest agent and broker group representing the health specialties with over 20,000 members, in June.

“I believe, that when Obama is President, he can do nothing alone, and that Congress, and to a great extent, the American people have to go along with whatever plan is decided upon.”

Childers continued, “I am sure there will be substantial change, but what exactly those changes will be is very much up in the air.”

Thus the meaning and purpose behind such forums as was held in Americus on Tuesday.

“Citizens need to participate to have their voices heard,” Childers said.

For more information on the Healthcare Discussion forum, go to http://change.gov/page/s/hcdiscussreport.