Fortunately, when most of us seek healing in a hospital, we trust
that insurance will cover most of the bill. However, for growing
numbers of Nashvillians, money is a huge concern when they need health
care.
I see them
in emergency rooms, looking scared and knowing that the ER is the place
of last resort for care. That is why I am glad that the people of
Nashville have committed themselves to providing care with dignity to
all residents through Nashville General Hospital at Meharry. At a time
when the economy leaves almost all of us uncertain about our future
insurance coverage, it is reassuring to know that General will be there
if we need it.
We
find ourselves at an important moment in our community's relationship
with its public hospital. Nashville can be proud of its community
clinics that provide primary care to uninsured and underserved
residents. However, these clinics cannot provide the acute in-patient
care needed by so many patients — people who have cancer, suffer a
heart attack or need surgery.
Some
believe the concept of a community-owned hospital is outdated. I
disagree. Our city's public hospital says a lot about who we are as a
community. It says that Nashvillians care for our neighbors in need. It
says that our city values good health and wellness for all of its
residents.
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