Last week, we learned of yet another free health care clinic where thousands of people showed up. These were people who lacked adequate healthcare coverage -- most of whom were employed. It was widely covered on 'Countdown' as many viewers of the show have been asked to help donate to these clinics.

It has been tragic to see the coverage of these clinics. From Texas, South Carolina, Arkansas and Los Angelas -- it illustrates the dire need we have in this nation for people to have access to decent health care. It has also been inspirational to see health care providers and volunteers giving time and energy to people. From Think Progress 83% were employed. Stunning number. For those who have lived above poverty, and below middle class, you would know that puts you in precarious position. You won't qualify for government assistance, and you make too much money for even sliding fee at low cost medical clinics. These free clinics are becoming a needed (sadly) thing in our country. Once only seen in countries like Haiti, they are quickly becoming needed here in the richest country in the world.

Congress MAY have that chance. A group, called Remote Area Medical (RAM) is trying to bring a free clinic like the one shown above, to Washington DC. It is running into some serious problems. Some would call it red tape, I call it extortion, among other things. From WaPo: I wonder how many people could be helped with that 77 thousand dollars. It's not just the money according to sources in the article. Public health leaders seem to be more concerned about appearances than letting people who are underinsured have access. Here in our Nation's capitol, people will be denied because some people think they already have a solution. What these people don't realize is that these clinics aren't here to solve the health care problems -- they are more like triage centers for Americans caught up in this crisis. We should not need them, but we do. The numbers of people showing up say it all. I am sure that a single working mother with an asthmatic child won't think this is just a 'big hoopla' -- nor will a father who needs a root canal but has no dental coverage. These are mostly people who have jobs and no insurance -- thus mostly excluding them from one of those 30 clinics Unity Health Care, Inc runs. What I don't understand is why they don't want the help. RAM has a good track record of follow-up with patients. Let's hope this shameful situation is rectified, not just by allowing RAM to host this clinic, but by a true overhaul of our health care system. Unity is doing good work, but there are still many people who cannot access their program. In the mean time, we need to deal with the most serious of those needing access to health care. the large numbers showing up at these clinics are a true indicator of what is happening nationwide. This is not an anomaly. 30 clinics are not enough to handle thousands of people that may show up, if the past is any indicator.

Let RAM hold this clinic, DC!

and
Raine


Update: The Washington Convention and Sports Authority appears to be privately owned. From their website:
"The Authority owns and manages the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, an anchor of the District’s hospitality and tourism economy that generates over $400 million annually in total economic impact for the city. The Authority also owns and manages the Stadium-Armory campus, which includes Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, the DC Armory and the surrounding Festival Grounds, and serves as the owner and landlord for Nationals Park."

While DC government may not be responsible for this situation, it serves as yet another example of business interests taking priority over the well-being of citizens.