Conrad draws full house at McClusky Clinic site
Conrad draws full house at McClusky Clinic site
By ALLAN TINKER
Perhaps expecting an exciting debate, perhaps not, a large crowd gathered at the McClusky Northland Community Health Center on August 13 for a chance to see U.S. Senator Kent Conrad on his visit to inspect the results of grant funds.
The visit, apparently mistakenly listed as a site for a public forum discussion on a website, was instead a quiet look at the results of American Recovery and Re-investment funds into the small clinic. Senator Conrad took it all in good humor, presenting an overview of his concerns on the current health care reform issues to the waiting guests. Before his arrival, a local television station covered comments of the local health care providers and some of those who receive health care at the site.
Several of health-care connected organizations also had representatives present, notably Daniel Hawkins, Jr. NAC, and Leslie Rosedahl, PPA Rx. The Partnership for Prescription Assistance helps qualifying patients without prescription drug coverage get the medicines they need through the program that is right for them. Many will get their medications free or nearly free. Hawkins represents the National Association of Community Health Centers and thanked Conrad for his efforts in the programs that make these clinics possible in rural areas and for the additional funding available through ARRA. “He is a real leader for health care centers,” stated Hawkins.
Conrad noted that health care costs are expected to rise to one in every six dollars spent in the country. “We spend more than twice what other countries do,” he added.
