A group that's been lobbying for health care reform is hoping to get the public in on the action tonight. The Maryland chapter of Health Care for America plans six vigils around the state around 5:30 p.m. 

The sites:

• Annapolis at 5:30 p.m.: Sen. Mikulski's District Office, 60 West St.

• Baltimore City at 5:15 p.m.: Washington Monument, 700 N. Charles St.

• Columbia at 5:30 p.m.: Corner of Little Patuxent Pkwy & Sterrett Pl. across from Columbia Mall

• Hagerstown at 5:30 p.m.: Public Square, at the intersection of Potomac & Washington streets

• Hyattsville at 5:30 p.m.: 6700 Belcrest Road

• Silver Spring at 5:30 p.m.: Woodside Park, Spring Street and Georgia Avenue

The group says it wants Congress to pass reform and make health care affordable. It also wants Congress to reform the insurance industry, avoid taxing the middle class and pass a public option -- which the groups says is supported by 70 percent of Americans. 

The group also argues that the leading cause of bankruptcy is medical debt. 

“We urge Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, as well as Senators Cardin and Mikulski, to continue to stand with Maryland’s families by doing everything in their power to pass health care reform that provides the choice of a strong national public health insurance option. With 2,547 Americans going bankrupt from medical costs every day, we can’t allow a few senators to derail what the majority of Americans want and need,” said Matthew Weinstein, Maryland coordinator of Health Care for America Now, which is cosponsoring the vigils with MoveOn.org.

The House has passed its version of health care reform, and the Senate is currently debating its measure. If it's passed, the chambers will have to reconcile the bills.

So, if you'd like to join the lobby effort for health care reform -- or even take another position -- here's your chance.

Photo courtesy of MoveOn.org