Doctors Within Borders

Please America: I beg you to understand the importance of education in this country. I understand that higher education is expensive. I still owe over $35,000 for my Master's Degree and it has been extremely difficult to pay the monthly note (what with mortgage, car, health insurance, food, utilities, and gas bills that must come first). However, I can pay them because I am an educated woman raised by parents that worked their way up from the pretty much nothing (they grew up in the projects of Chicago in the 40s). There was no option for me. I would finish high school and attend college NO MATTER WHAT. My father promised that an education would provide me with anything I wanted. The promise didn't include the words "easy" or "free". And for the most part I have everything that I need. I may not have a lot left over, but I have all my teeth. As a matter of fact everyone in my family, including extended family members have all thier teeth. What do we have in common?? EDUCATION and a drive to succeed instilled by our caregivers. These things can be instilled in those less fortunate, as well. But it must be when they're young so they grow up believing it. Helping these people by giving free medical relief is like, forgive the pun, an anesthetic. They need a cast; something that will heal what is broken. EDUCATION AID should be provided. What's that parable about teaching a man to fish???

In the rest of the civilizaed world, this kind of care is routine, and free, and paid for out of taxes. The money goes to the goverenment instead of the profit driven health insurance companies.
I don't understand how someone can read something like this, see something like this happen ,and then talk about how the USA is the "greatest country in the world" and complain about "socialism".
It's embarassing to the nation that this is even necessary!

Rather than going to Africa all the time, why don't they do clinics in the US? Duh!

Here's the problem: Selective memory.

I remember when I was a girl in new York that there was a huge US Department of Health Hospital. Anyone could go there for treatment, vaccinations, examinations etc. and get help without having to pay. It wasn;t the May Clinic but it was basic healthcare. There were outreach offices in several surrounding communities. We could afford this in the 50's and 60's. Why can't we afford it now? Gee, could it be that tthis hospital was sold off to a private company?

Remember when they told us that the government couldn't do anything right, so everything should be privatized? Hey folks - the same people who have been saying this since pre-Regan are the ones being bailed out right now by your FDIC funds (that they aren't supposed to be eligible for). Seems like the government - thats US by the way - sure can get it together when these folks need something.

Wake up America! Stop watching TV and start watching what these crooks are up to....

I am a European (UK) and to all those people that have been brainwashed into believing that "the European system does not work" - you are totally wrong! I get fantastic health care with the best technology and I never wait in lines (contrary to what the media tells you here!). More to the point, I have NEVER paid one penny for my health care. Do not believe what you hear! You are being lied to and frankly the governments of this country should be thoroughly ashamed that US citizens have to sleep overnight in a parking lot just to see a doctor - it is shocking!

just because you have insurance doesn't mean you can afford to go to the doctor and dentist when you need. The premiums for insurance have increased and what is covered has decreased. This country needs a major re-do before we become a 3rd world country.

We need to do over our health system, but not based on the European, Canadian or any other system. We need to devise a system that will work in the U.S. Like paying doctors what they deserve to get instead of what medicaid and medicare deem the amt. to be. Then, all people can get the same type of service as there would be enough medical staff to take care of us. In stead of dumping more money into war, let us put this money into strengthening our people so that we have a strong, healthy community. Yes, we need our armed services taken care of because we do need a strong military presence in the world. However, that is a whole new topic when we talk about veteran services as there is so much incompetence in taking care of our service people and veterans. This is a time that we must look at our own resources and how we can present a health care plan that helps the poorest of our people without losing our ability to provide the best
medical care in the world. And yes, we need dental care for all. I am thrilled to see and read that so many people are finally seeing and wanting to take care of so many folks that have no financial resources to pay for their health care. Having been there, I know that the one thing you cut out when you have no money, is your health care. This needs to stop. Thank you.

Dear Fatjoey, I love my jobs but when it comes to putting food on the table for my kids or going to the doctor. Sorry food for my kids comes 1st. I work 2 jobs. I strugle everyday, but it hurts to know that the crimmials get better health care than I provide for my family. You talk like everyone wants a hand out. YOu have no idea what it is like to be denied health care. My husband had his back surgary his senior yr in high school. He was told by the doctors then that he would not be able to work ever, but he is the hardest worker I have ever met. I am sooo proud of him. Even after this past yr while playing in the back yard with our 2 yr old son he shadered another disc. My ins. that I pay 100.00 a week to will not help us. So think before you speak. I am on my own. Sorry that I would like a little help from my govt. BTW I hve blue cross blue sheld and AFLC. and I still get stuck holding the bag.

"make do," not "make due"

And pulling all your teeth once you got to adulthood used to be common well into the 20th century, especially in England. Couples used to go together before they got married. Saved a lot of trouble pain and money down the road.

GOD bless everyone who was responsible for making this event happen. It means so much to the community. What this article doesn't include is that there were people from Cleveland, OH and even New York who traveled for treatment. This just goes to show how many people need health care and people are willing do to what needs to be done to get it.

In response to MCL in France who writes. Most of the countries I have lived in have socialised medicine as though France is among them! I am French! So please do not misrepresent this Country as having Socialized Medecine a term grossly mischaracterized . It does not NOT! France has a Socialized mandatory Single Payer National Health Insurance System (not medecine) that cover 70% of the medical cost, and a non-mandatory private or non-private supplemental system that cover the remaining 30%.. In either case you go to the private doctor of your choice. Higher income earner up to a ceiling pay more into it than lower income earner but both get the same care.
Socialized medecine is a system of health care in which all health personnel and health facilities, including doctors and hospitals, work for the government and draw salaries from the government. Doctors in the US Veterans Administration and the Armed Services are paid this way. And the Veterans and US military hospitals are also supported this way. Examples also exist in Great Britain and Spain..Those who still continue to think than a Single payer insurance system is socialized medecine, have their brain stuck in first gear!

It seems there isn't much difference in paying the additional taxes necessary to impliment a National Health Care Plan rather than supporting the legalized extortion rackets called Insurance companies. It becomes legalized extorsion when government dictates that you have to have it. It may cost the individual less to do away with the insurance companies and pay for a NHCP with additional taxes. The only question is how bad a government entity will screw up an already broken system.

I THINK FOR MIDDLE CLASS FOLKS AND LOW INCOME FOLKS THOSE VOLUNTEER CLINICS FOR DENTISTS AND EYE CARE SHOULD BE SPREAD THOUGH OUT THE USA, LIKE THOSE IN WISE VIRGINIA.

wow.

i think every where in the usa should look for volunteer dentists and eye care like wise virgingia has.