Free clinics: a solution that can work ... now!

Article Abstract:

Over 30 million people in the US have no health insurance. The overwhelming size of the problem has convinced many that only sweeping proposals of equal magnitude should be considered for its solution. However, this is not necessarily the case. The establishment of small free clinics may be a solution of health care for the uninsured. There are many reasons to believe that such an approach may be useful. Already, there are over 200 free clinics in the US that operate with little or no federal support. Many of these clinics have been running for more than 15 years, and grew out of the spirit of the 1960s, and are staffed by volunteers who do not charge to treat patients. One advantage is that a community-based free clinic may be started in as small an area as the first floor of a house with an extremely small capital outlay. The people who need the services of a free clinic are often unable to travel any distance for care, and so it is imperative that the clinic be located within the community it is intended to serve. This location serves to develop better relations with the community and reduce the possible abuses. Often, such clinics use their limited resources very efficiently, which improves their chances of obtaining donations from charitable sources. The free clinic is most effective in providing very basic care, education in hygiene and sex, nutritional advice, and prenatal care. It should be emphasized that problems of hospitalization and long-term care are not addressed by free clinics. It should also be mentioned that some 'free' clinics are really 'very inexpensive' clinics, since a modest fee can serve to promote more responsible utilization of the clinic's services. Many doctors entered the profession because they want to help people be healthier; volunteering services in a free clinic is an excellent way to do just that. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Ambulatory care facilities, Community health services, Clinics, editorial

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Assessment of the impact of a 100% smoke-free ordinance on restaurant sales - West Lake Hills, Texas, 1992-1994

Article Abstract:

It appears that patrons are not driven away from restaurants because of smoke-free ordinances. The economic impact of a 100% smoke-free ordinance on restaurant business in West Lake Hill, Texas was evaluated using sales data analyzed by a linear regression model. This model took into account seasonal sales and economic trends. Sales data were analyzed from eight restaurants over a 17-month period, before and after implementation of the smoke-free ordinance. Total sales did not decrease after the ordinance went into effect. This type of ordinance is important to nonsmokers because environmental smoke can adversely affect their health.

Laws, regulations and rules, Restaurants, Smoking

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Playing jeopardy with public health: an old threat for a new century

Article Abstract:

Many medical students favor the elimination of public health training and education from the medical education curriculum. Governmental legislators are also considering to drop several public health programs. Both of these disturbing developments could lead to higher health care costs. It should be emphasized that the goals of public health: disease prevention and health promotion, are the key factors in minimizing health care costs.

Analysis, Medicine, Curricula, Medical care, Cost of, Health care costs, Health promotion

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