Universal health-care event featuring mayor set for West Seattle in May

| Health | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

A statewide organization campaigning for universal health care is coming to West Seattle for its next major event.

The organization Whole Washington will gather supporters for a gala at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center on Saturday, May 16. Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson is scheduled to be one of the guest speakers, as is State Rep. Shaun Scott.

It’s expected to be an opportunity to learn more about the status of the campaign – actually campaigns, according to the Whole Washington website, including a push for a ballot initiative in 2028.

One of the supporters who told us about the event points out that ticket sales are closing this Saturday, so if you have interest, you’ll want to decide soon about whether to attend.

SeaK April 30, 2026 (6:12 pm)

There’s a special irony that I can’t afford the ticket to the event for universal healthcare.

Ben May 1, 2026 (3:12 am)

No doubt!! I have this day off. Would love to attend and support. But $150!? I just bought Robert Glasper tickets for $100. How sad is the irony you point out!! Very hope draining

Jen May 1, 2026 (6:00 am)

Hi Ben. Hi SeaK. Thank you both for wanting to attend and support. The ticket sales will be a significant portion of the fundraiser’s success. Winning universal healthcare won’t be easy, and we’ll need a lot in reserves. People who can give at this level are asked to chip in to give the campaign a solid foundation. It will take $200,000 at a minimum to launch a ballot initiative. Please consider a donation of any amount at wholewashington.org/donate. There will be more events in the future and ways to contribute to the mission that don’t cost a thing. This is a predominantly volunteer powered effort with people giving of their time and talent to make universal healthcare a reality. Our current system isn’t sustainable, and there are far too many people suffering, draining their savings, avoiding care, or going deep into medical debt. We know it doesn’t have to be that way. We can save money and save lives.

CW May 1, 2026 (6:39 am)

Yikes! I was all in until I saw the ticket price! The US is the only developed, high-income industrialized nation in the world without a universal healthcare system. While at the same time we have Medicare, the most expensive age group to provide healthcare for. And if you are really curious, look at Singapore – instituted in less than 10 years universal healthcare coverage for over 95% of its population. How? By cutting out insurance profits.

NoMad Sci Guy May 1, 2026 (10:03 am)

If the ticket is too much and you wish to donate a smaller amount to the cause, Whole Washington accepts donations via links on their websites.

rhonda May 1, 2026 (11:49 am)

I can understand the concerns about the price, but the work Whole Washington is doing is SO important and if we’re going to push for a ballot initiative to make universal healthcare happen in our state, it’s not going to happen without funding. At the Gala, in addition to knowing you’re funding an important effort, you’re also getting a lovely meal, hearing from exciting speakers, and networking with other folks who recognize that Washington is the place and the time is NOW for universal healthcare! .