Thousands Line Up for Promise of Free Health Care

[cal04]

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/13/health/13clinic.html?hp

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — They came for new teeth mostly, but also for blood pressure checks, mammograms, immunizations and acupuncture for pain. Neighboring South Los Angeles is a place where health care is scarce, and so when it was offered nearby, word got around.

For the second day in a row, thousands of people lined up on Wednesday — starting after midnight and snaking into the early hours — for free dental, medical and vision services, courtesy of a nonprofit group that more typically provides mobile health care for the rural poor.

(snip)
The enormous response to the free care was a stark corollary to the hundreds of Americans who have filled town-hall-style meetings throughout the country, angrily expressing their fear of the Obama administration’s proposed changes to the nation’s health care system. The bleachers of patients also reflected the state’s high unemployment, recent reduction in its Medicaid services for the poor and high deductibles and co-payments that have come to define many employer-sponsored insurance programs.

Many of those here said they lacked insurance, but many others said they had coverage but not enough to meet all their needs — or that they could afford. Some said they were well aware of the larger national health care debate, and were eager for changes.

“I am on point with the news,” said Elizabeth Harraway, 50, who is unemployed and came for dental care. “I think the president’s ideas are awesome, and I believe opening up health care is going to work."


http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-health-forum12-2009aug12,0,2168511.story

[Wednesdays]

1. K&R

:kick:

[MadMaddie]

2. Is the MSM carrying these stories?

Probably not....would go against their propaganda machine.

[cal04]

3. Bringing Care to Communities

One Organization Brings Free Health Care to Those Who Need It Most

http://www.abcnews.go.com/GMA/PersonalFinance/story?id=8307474&page=1

Ayana Kleckner, 15, hasn't been to a dentist in years. Nor has she seen a doctor. Ayana's mother, Elon Kleckner, could not afford basic medical care. But when they found out about a free health clinic that was coming to the Los Angeles area, they made sure they were at the front of the line.

At 3:30am Ayana and her mom were among hundreds of people standing in line in the parking lot of the Los Angeles Forum in hopes of getting one of the 1,500 tickets Remote Area Medical volunteers were distributing to those in need.

They were given the numbers 48 and 49.

"This is a miracle because if this wasn't here we wouldn't be able to go to the doctor for who knows how long, it's already been a long time," Ayana said.

By 5 a.m. all the tickets were gone.