Brian’s Cause is a well-known battle cry to not only Brian Conner but to everyone locally who has known cancer or lost a loved one to the disease. But now, Brian’s Cause will be going to a statewide platform.

Rushville and Rush County will be featured prominently in an upcoming public television broadcast about the health insurance crisis being experienced not only at home here in the heartland, but on a national level as well.

“Good News/Bad News: Reflections on Our Access to Healthcare” will premiere from 9 to 10 p.m. today on WFYI-TV 20.

Viewers are invited to explore the reality of Hoosiers’ access to health care in the “community conversation.”

“As the face of health insurance changes, each of us must understand the facts in order to make wise choices for ourselves, our families, our business and the state. State and local leaders will explain the issues, policy implications and alternatives so that viewers can go beyond the sound bites to make informed decisions,” according to WFYI’s Web site.

The story of Brian Conner’s battle with cancer, and what it meant to his employer and the community, will be presented in a videotaped story during the broadcast. Featured will be Brian Conner, Bruce Davis of Davis Towing and Rush Memorial Hospital CEO Brad Smith.

“The story illustrates how a smaller, close-knit community and a rural hospital can sometimes demonstrate greater flexibility and customized care when insurance fails to meet medical costs,” co-producer Shannon Cagle said. Cagle is a Rush County resident who co-produced Good News/Bad News and developed the Brian Conner story for the program. She is also vice-president of the RMH Foundation Board of Directors.

Following the taped story, Rush Memorial Hospital Nursing Coordinator Deb Hummel joins a panel of experts to discuss how facilities like RMH can help residents develop the preventative care they need to stay healthy. The panel discussions are moderated by WISH-TV political reporter and the host of Indiana Week in Review, Jim Shella.

Elizabeth Gist can be contacted at elizabeth.gist@rushvillerepublican.com or at (765) 932-3111 ext. 109. Add a comment to this story at www.rushvillerepublican.com.