ROCHESTER, N.Y., Nov. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- As one of the leaders in our nationwide health care debate, New York is considering the most sweeping changes to that state's health care system in modern history. Today, Paul Hannesson, state spokesman for the Christian Science church, called on state leaders to bring about health care reform that affords all New Yorkers broader access to effective health care by including spiritual care.

"Our society is reaching out for solutions to the problem of effective, affordable health care," said Hannesson, testifying today before state health and insurance officials in Rochester. "Spiritual care and treatment can serve as one of the solutions to that problem." As the New York Partnership for Health travels the state holding stakeholder meetings in advance of drafting legislation, it is in the unique position to include access to and coverage for a prayer-based method of healing, alongside conventional coverage, as an option to meet the personal health care needs of New Yorkers.

Hannesson is urging the Partnership for Health to include this coverage. "Let's live up to our state motto, 'Excelsior,'" says Hannesson. "Let's take a 'higher stand' on access to health care and embrace the well-being of our communities by recognizing that a spiritual approach to health care has been, and remains, both practical and beneficial to the public."

Source: The First Church of Christ, Scientist