Dear PNHP colleagues and friends,

We at Physicians for a National Health Program are terribly saddened to report the sudden and unexpected loss of one of our staff members, Nicholas Skala, who died over the weekend in his Chicago home at the age of 27 of unknown causes.

Nick was one of our nation’s most gifted and dedicated advocates for single-payer national health insurance — for truly universal, comprehensive and quality care for all. His incisive mind, wide-ranging knowledge and formidable skills of argument were devoted entirely to bringing about a better world for everyone.

To his friends and co-workers, he was an extremely witty and compassionate human being, and a great source of inspiration and encouragement.

Nick had only recently returned to Chicago from two months in Washington, D.C., where he contributed significantly to the cause of single-payer health reform in multiple ways. He was committed to working for PNHP in our Chicago office during the next six weeks prior to his return to his classes at Northwestern University Law School.

His death is a heavy blow to our organization and to the entire single-payer movement.

We at PNHP extend our deepest and most sincere condolences to Nick’s family and friends.

We vow to redouble our efforts to bring about Nick Skala’s vision.

Sincerely,

Ida Hellander, M.D.
Executive Director