Fifteen advocates and activists donned surgical masks Friday outside Rep. Jim Costa's office in downtown Fresno.

It wasn't to draw attention to the swine-flu, however.

Health reform protesters said they were there to "put some friendly pressure" on Costa to support health reform. Costa's district is among one of the top congressional districts in the country for uninsured and underinsured residents, they say.

The protesters -- mouths covered -- will be back Monday, said Dillon Savory of the Central Labor Council, one of the organizers. Health Care for America NOW Coalition also is an organizer.

The protests, which began on Sept. 21, will continue through Friday, Savory said.

Brett Rumbeck, the congressman's press secretary, said Thursday that Costa, D-Fresno, "has been listening to Valley residents all summer on this issue and appreciates hearing their views."

Costa supports health reform, Rumbeck said. The debate occurs over "how do you do that?," he said.