PITTSBURGH – January 23, 2024 – The Pittsburgh Business Group on Health (PBGH) announces activist, advocate and modern-day “David,” who loves a good brawl with today’s corporate “Goliaths,” Erin Brockovich, will headline the PBGH 2024 Healthcare & Benefits Symposium, September 12, in Pittsburgh.

The Symposium attracts human resources and benefits professionals from companies of all sizes, who are interested in protecting high-quality, accessible healthcare for employees.

“We are honored Ms. Brockovich agreed to headline our 2024 Symposium,” said Mike Stancil, president & CEO, PBGH. “Her story of battling corporate giants in the face of unyielding odds resonates with many in our community as they work to obtain and keep high-quality, accessible and affordable health care.”

Ms. Brockovich’s story is well known by many since the 2000 blockbuster film, starring Julia Roberts, first introduced America to this legal researcher turned environmental activist. Her dogged investigation exposed that Pacific Gas & Electric had been poisoning the water of the small town of Hinkley, CA, for more than 30 years. In 1996, her work resulted in the largest direct action lawsuit of its kind, forcing the corporate giant to pay out the largest toxic tort injury settlement in U.S. history: $333 million in damages to more than 600 Hinkley residents.

Since then, Erin has worked to spread positive messages of personal empowerment and to encourage others to stand up to corporate hubris and make a difference.

“HR and benefits professionals across our region are trying to do the right thing every day to protect healthcare for their employees and for their families,” said Stancil. “But they are faced with limited healthcare choices, unsustainable healthcare expenses, and out-of-control drug costs – all resulting in less options for everyday people at a higher price. It’s toxic.”

Stancil added that as the voice of employers, PBGH has a duty to help organizations of all sizes ensure their interests are represented when it comes to the shifting healthcare landscape.

“How can an employer battle the politicians, lobbyists and the sheer size, weight and money corporations have at their disposal when it comes to maintaining the status quo of healthcare?” said Stancil. “We must do better and Ms. Brockovich’s willingness to come here is testament that we can make a difference.”

Ms. Brockovich is a TV personality, author and staunch advocate for everyday people – often working alongside them to right wrongs in communities across America. As President of Brockovich Research & Consulting, she is currently involved in numerous environmental projects worldwide.

Her latest book, Superman's Not Coming: Our National Water Crisis and What We the People Can Do About It, drew wide media attention before its publication.

In our region, Ms. Brockovich most recently has visited and offered support to the residents of East Palestine, Ohio, following the February 3, 2023, toxic train derailment involving Norfolk Southern.

Visit www.pbghpa.org for more information about the 2024 Symposium and to learn more about how your company can get involved.