|
Senator Lloyd Smucker It is easy to find opposing views about the worth of the federal stimulus package. But it is hard to dispute the value of the money helping this crucial project move forward. With health care dominating public discussion these days, much is said about access to care. Most of the time, this is talked about as primarily a matter of money – how much providers charge, how much insurance covers, and how much patients can afford to pay. But access concerns go well beyond that. Where facilities are located, in respect to where people live. What services are offered. What hours the doors are open and services are available. How capable the medical professionals are. Whether there is a language or cultural barrier that discourages individuals or families from coming in. How much confidence people have in getting treated as they need and when they need. This is the key checklist, and SouthEast Lancaster Health Services scores extremely well. As just one indication of this, the services offered reflect the firmly established link between good dental health and good general health. This expansion project, with the addition of a site, comes at an opportune time. The prolonged recession has made it much harder for many families to meet basic needs. Some who have suffered job losses or pay cuts now have to scramble to provide for themselves and their families. Here is an answer for those who are hurting. As is the case with many of the developments taking place in our city, there are a lot of heroes in this story. The day-to-day workers providing quality care and much-needed services. The board members and administrators who bring dedication and vision to the enterprise. The businesses, community groups, and foundations who help underwrite important initiatives. Together, you have earned the trust and gratitude of the community. Your work diminishes the chance that the only doctor some people see is on a television drama. No matter what any emerging national or state health care plan looks like, the services here are essential to a healthy community and vital to a better future for many of our citizens.
| |||
|
Privacy Policy
|
||||
