My editorial featuring UTSW-neurology and indigent health care printed today

[w8liftinglady]

I know-strange combination...

http://www.thedailylight.com/articles/2011/03/28/opinion/doc4d90ba9fe3279056600736.txt

I recently had the great honor of speaking to the Student Interest Group in Neurology (SIGN) at UTSW-Dallas. I was joined by Bob and Bill, two more neurology success stories. Through our stories, the medical students could see the hope that up-to-date and well-funded medicine can deliver. I would like to thank Dr. Puneet Gupta for caring for me through my multiple visits at UTSW and featuring me as his “prize patient.” He is a truly holistic, caring and brilliant neurologist.

One common thread that Bob, Bill and I shared was our access to wonderful top-of-the-line medical care thanks to our health insurance. We were grateful that we had the”golden tickets” that allowed us the extraordinary, life-saving surgeries and medications that changed our ability to function. We all felt a shred of guilt because we knew our fortune was not shared by all.

Funding for the Hope Clinic is scheduled to be cut drastically. The Hope Clinic is a lifeline for patients in Ellis County. Proper access to health care and medications can mean the difference between hospitalization and remaining functional in society.

As Texas continues to lead the nation in uninsured adults and children, the need for a facility such as the Hope Clinic is critical. Since the general consensus is that life-saving medical care is not a responsibility of the government (even though healthy citizens are productive citizens), then the obligation falls on us.

I encourage every Waxahachie family who can afford it to donate what they would have spent on a “meal out” to help keep the Hope Clinic afloat. Do it monthly. The long-term benefits outweigh the little cost.

The following is a link to allow donations online:

http://www.hopeclinicelliscounty.com/2301/15201.html

You may also donate by mail to: Hope Clinic 411 East Jefferson Waxahachie, Texas 75165

As caring neighbors, we must look to aide our fellow man. The Hope Clinic is doing just that.

[truedelphi]

1. K & R for reading later. n/t