MIAMI -- U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek is holding a health care town hall meeting Thursday evening after a roundtable discussion at his office earlier in the day.

President Barack Obama will try to take back control of the health care debate when he speaks to the U.S. Congress and the nation on Tuesday.

Just a month ago, most Americans generally supported Obama's overall health care plan, but a new poll shows that 51 percent of American adults now oppose the president's plan. Forty-five percent are now in favor.

When respondents were asked how much reform is needed, 45 percent said "a great deal," 46 percent said only "some" and 7 percent said no changes are needed.

Meek said the main goal of the health care town hall meetings is to gather input from the citizens of South Florida.

"I feel that health care reform will pass, but it's important, unlike any other time, I think, in any recent time, that we've had federal policymakers that have gone to their constituency and said, 'We want to hear how you feel about this health care reform package,'" Meek said. "We know that it's necessary. We know there are parts of the bill that people do not understand."

After several contentious health care town hall meetings across the U.S., Meek said he is ready to answer constituents' questions to the best of his ability.

"I used to be a state trooper back in the day, and I'm used to dealing with people that may not understand what the reality is," Meek said. "The reality is the fact that over 3,500 Floridians are losing their insurance every week. We have individuals that can spend only eight days in the hospital before they have to file for medical bankruptcy. We want to deal with those issues. We have small businesses that can't even afford or get insurance for their employees, so I want to hear that input."

Meek added that the input will "make me a better congressman."

Thursday evening's meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Lehman Theater at the Miami-Dade College North Campus, located at 11380 NW 27th Ave.