Austin’s Homeless Receive Care, Discuss Future Medical Plans
September 8th, 2009 |
A GoodTherapy.org News Summary
The healthcare issues in the United States have grown especially heated in recent months as the administration works towards introducing new policies that may bring about significant changes in the way the country’s citizens receive both physical and mental care. While scores of Americans find it difficult to navigate the complexities of modern health insurance companies, and a greater number still find it difficult to pay for health care services and insurance premiums, there are some people who simply do not have access to basic medical and psychological attention. The nation’s homeless are typically incapable of paying for emergency and other services out of pocket, often having little to no income with which to fund exorbitantly expensive bills. Additionally, the homeless are usually without any sort of health insurance. The prevalence of physical and mental health issues among the homeless, however, is considerable in comparison to the population at large, a problem which is greatly compounded by the lack of available quality care.
Recently, the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless held a health fair for local residents without a residence. The fair provided basic medical, dental, and mental health services, all in an effort to help those with little to no access gain a better chance of living healthily and happily. Those receiving treatment at the fair, while expressive their gratitude, noted their dissatisfaction with the current state of the health care system in the United States. Some mentioned the problems of those who are given medications only to relapse when supplies run out; others cited issues such as being turned away from emergency rooms. As the administration works towards the creation of a better health care system, it is hoped that the homeless in Austin and throughout the country will be given the attention and the access they need.
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6 comments so far
A step in the right direction, I must say. Any help offered and given to the homeless and to those that cannot afford such services is a welcome gesture and to know that all will now be helped is very heartening indeed. There are scores of people out there who would be benefited by this and it will surely lead to a healthier country and world at large.
Great website! I hope to have as much information as you one day. Keep up the good work.
I live in a city where there has been little to nothing done to aid the homeless in our town, so when I hear about health fairs and resources like this being given out in Austin Texas it really does give me hope. How do you find the money and the tools to make all of this happen? I would love to get in on organizing something like this in my region but would have no ideas at all about how to even get it started. It seems like we sometimes go through life with blinders on and do not want to see the miseries of others. I think that it is great that Austin has seen to it to begin to take some responsibility for many of their less fortunate citizens and help them get some of the things that they need to get back on their feet soon.
With the recession still looming on us, this might seem like a policy that is not well-timed, for a few people. But according to me, this is already late… this should have been done long ago… providing basic health care for all the citizens, especially covering those that cannot afford it proves the mettle of the region and country at large and I am personally waiting to see results of this great policy.
The homeless are the most neglected, ignored and misunderstood population of all. It’s shameful the way some look down on them. Don’t they ever think “there but for the grace of God go I”? These type of fairs should be everywhere and more often. I have high hopes the new legislation will never again allow anyone to suffer needlessly just because they can’t afford treatment they desperately need. Good for Austin.
Very uplifting to hear about programs like these. Perhaps there are good people out there who care about others after all!