POCATELLO - The Prayer and Candlelight Vigil For Healthcare Reform here on Monday is a nonpolitical, nondenominational community event aimed at raising awareness and getting residents involved.

Organizer Karen McCall said the informational forum will include speakers who will share their own experiences as they relate to health care reform, as well as a physician's point of view.

The Rev. Janie Gebhardt will also speak about the effect of the current health care crisis on uninsured and underinsured members of her congregation. McCall said the event is being hosted in conjunction with Pray Until Something Happens. The movement calls for Christians to pray for guidance for elected officials. According to PUSH, 47 million Americans are without health insurance and 14,000 more lose their coverage each day. During the past 10 years, insurance premiums have doubled, out-of-pocket costs increased by one-third and deductibles continue to rise.

"As people of faith, we are praying that the administration will be compassionate and that health care will be affordable and accessible," McCall said. McCall said contact information for Idaho representatives will also be available at the event, along with a number of petitions focusing on global issues.

The Prayer and Candlelight Vigil For Healthcare Reform starts at 6:30 p.m. at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, located 309 N. Garfield. For more information, call 232-3056.