Advocates for Universal Health Care say it would create healthier and safer communities.

Groups involved in the Health Care For America launched their campaign in Binghamton.

They represent labor, doctors, nurses, and citizen activists.

It's a nationwide effort to get Congress to pass legislation next year guaranteeing affordable health care.

"Too often we see people who have gone too long without routine basic checkups. When they come to us they have cervical cancer or STD's that are too far advanced. These are life threatening conditions that could have been treated or prevented with affordable preventative care, " says Ingrid Husisian from Planned Parenthood.

Husisian says problems range from the lack of health insurance to high co-pays that keep people from seeking care.

Health Care Now says Americans should have options of either private or public health insurance to ensure everyone is covered.