Preventive Medical Care Works

I support President Obama and his quest for healthcare reform. Seniors already enjoy the benefits of government healthcare in the form of Medicare. Unfortunately, many seniors have not practiced prevention and wellness over the years, and enter into the Medicare system with on-going illnesses, which could have been prevented or minimized.

School-based health centers provide access to medical care in communities struggling to offer such services. Reimbursement is usually through MediCal, another government medical program intended for low-income individuals, mainly women and children. By keeping the population healthier and promoting prevention, we all enjoy economic savings and contribute to a better community. Our students will be healthier and more productive with fewer “sick days.” Treatment for most routine health complaints could be done onsite-at school with a focus on prevention, wellness and living a healthier more productive life. By emphasizing preventive care, we can reduce the number of inappropriate emergency room visits, reduce hospitalizations, reduce chronic illness, and reduce drug and alcohol abuse

School-based health centers have also been shown to increase students’ time in class and lessen health concerns and complications. This school-based care can also reduce healthcare disparities, allowing students to care for some health concerns via the school nurse and allowing an opportunity for preventive interventions.

I wholly support President Obama’s attempts to establish a National Prevention and Wellness Strategy for providing prevention interventions and timely medical care.

Dr. Loraine Goodwin, M.D., J.D.
Candidate for Congress CD 19