Sharon's Story - Jan. 2010 from Caitlin Copple on Vimeo.

YWCA Missoula will release its latest anti-racism public service announcement this week, in time to commemorate Martin Luther King, Jr., Day. The new ads feature YWCA transitional housing manager, Patty Murphy, telling a story of a Native American friend and colleague, Sharon Beauchamp, who died of advanced bone cancer in 2008 after being improperly diagnosed and refused prescription pain medicine.

Since last spring, the YWCA has focused its social marketing campaign on health care inequality, in part because of Sen. Max Baucus’ unique position of influence in the national debate over health insurance reform.

The ads have been recognized by YWCA USA for their effectiveness at sparking dialogue in a mostly-white community, but they have raised some eyebrows locally.

“Some of the ads have been controversial, in part because people don’t understand that racism is a systematic and institutional problem rather than individual acts of mistreatment,” explained YWCA executive director Cindy Weese. “We hope the current ad will illustrate that Sharon’s story is not unique. Many Montanans face barriers when it comes to receiving quality health care, but if you are American Indian, the disparities at every level can be really overwhelming.”

YWCA Missoula is a proud supporter of the National Coalition Building Institute’s Martin Luther King, Jr., Celebration slated for Monday, Jan. 18.
There will be a Day of Service coordinated by the First Baptist Church from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by a rally for economic justice at 5 p.m. in Caras Park. At 6 p.m., Denise Juneau, state superintendent of public instruction, will deliver the keynote address, and a variety of musicians are scheduled throughout the evening. For more information about the event, call Amie at 541.6891.

Founded in 1911, the YWCA works to eliminate racism and empower women. To learn more, visit www.ywcaofmissoula.org.