A Holistic Approach to Our District's Well-Being

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The health of our district isn't just about physical well-being. It's a complex tapestry woven from safe living conditions, access to quality healthcare, health education initiatives, and opportunities for social engagement. To truly ensure a healthy community, we need to address all these elements through a comprehensive and well-managed governance structure.

The Winding Road of American Healthcare: A History

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Early Beginnings and Patchwork Solutions

 

The story of healthcare in the US is a complex one, much like the Beatles' song "The Long and Winding Road." In colonial times, healthcare relied heavily on women, particularly for childbirth. The first medical society emerged in Boston (1735), followed by the first medical degree awarded in New York (1770). However, the Civil War exposed a harsh reality: more soldiers died from disease than combat. Diseases like chickenpox, measles, and typhoid fever ravaged the nation.

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The Rise of Professionalism and Organized Care

 

By the late 1800s, medical practices and techniques improved, leading to the formation of the American Medical Association (AMA). This period also saw the development of organized group healthcare services. President Theodore Roosevelt recognized the link between a healthy nation and a strong nation.

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The Fight for Universal Coverage and the Rise of Employer-Sponsored Insurance

 

The turn of the century brought the Industrial Revolution, fostering unions and the push for organized healthcare. Before 1900, healthcare was primarily pay-per-service, leaving families vulnerable to financial burdens in times of illness. As unions grew stronger, companies began offering sickness protection – the precursor to today's health benefits. Here, unions played a crucial role in making healthcare a staple of American life.

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However, progress stalled. While President Roosevelt advocated for health insurance, subsequent leaders failed to deliver universal coverage. The AALL bill (1915) proposed coverage for low-wage earners, but it was ultimately defeated due to concerns from doctors, businesses, and even some unions who feared losing power and profits.

 

The Rise of Insurance and the Cost Concerns

 

Following World War I, healthcare costs began to rise beyond the reach of many Americans. This trend mirrored the price gouging seen in movie theaters for popcorn (a relatable analogy!). In 1923, Blue Cross/Blue Shield emerged. Baylor Hospitals introduced a prepaid healthcare program for teachers, pioneering the modern healthcare plan format.

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The Great Depression and World War II significantly shaped today's healthcare landscape. Franklin D. Roosevelt's healthcare insurance bill, which included "old age" benefits, was met with fierce opposition from the AMA, leading to the Social Security Act of 1935. During World War II, wage freezes prompted businesses to offer employer-sponsored health insurance as a way to attract workers.

 

The Back-and-Forth on Universal Coverage

 

The fight for universal healthcare continued. The Wagner-Murray-Dingell Bill (1943) proposed payroll-funded universal coverage but was unsuccessful. In 1945, President Truman introduced a plan for all Americans, but again, the AMA's opposition and Cold War anxieties derailed it.

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Landmark Legislation and Personal Struggles

 

Despite ongoing debates, medical advancements like the polio vaccine occurred. However, hospital costs doubled within a century. The AMA continued to resist healthcare expansion efforts. President John F. Kennedy's healthcare plan for seniors faced similar opposition. Finally, in 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Social Security Act amendments, laying the groundwork for Medicare and Medicaid.

 

The author shares their personal experience of relying on welfare and Medicaid during their childhood. Despite these challenges, they were able to overcome them and achieve success.

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Incremental Changes and Rising Costs

 

While President Nixon secured the Social Security Amendment of 1972 and the Health Maintenance Organization Act of 1973, the push for universal healthcare remained elusive. The 1980s, 90s, and early 2000s saw the introduction of COBRA, allowing continued coverage under former employer plans. Throughout this period, healthcare spending as a percentage of GDP steadily increased.

 

The Ongoing Conversation

 

The national conversation on healthcare continues. Expanded Medicaid coverage for children and Medicare Part D represent further developments. However, terrorism threats and the Iraq wars shifted national priorities.

The Current Landscape: Affordable Care Act and Challenges

 

The Affordable Care Act: A Step Forward

 

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), often referred to as Obamacare, stands as a significant achievement in healthcare expansion. Despite facing repeated repeal attempts (over 50 times!), the ACA has secured crucial protections for millions of Americans.

 

Pre-Existing Conditions Clause: A Lifeline

 

The ACA's most impactful provision is the pre-existing condition clause. This clause prohibits insurance companies from denying coverage or charging higher premiums based on pre-existing medical conditions. This reform protects individuals with conditions like AIDS, asthma, heart disease, and even pregnancy from being priced out of health insurance.

 

Prior to the ACA, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, for instance, charged a flat rate regardless of health status. However, the rise of a profit-driven healthcare system led to skyrocketing costs and the denial of coverage for individuals with pre-existing conditions.

 

The ACA represents the most significant expansion of healthcare coverage in the US since the creation of Medicare and Medicaid. Before its implementation, an alarming one out of seven people faced coverage denial due to pre-existing conditions.

 

The High Cost of Pharmaceuticals: An Ongoing Battle

 

While the ACA has made strides, the high cost of prescription drugs remains a major concern. Phrases like "too big to fail" and "Big Pharma" highlight the excessive power and pricing

practices of some pharmaceutical companies.

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A prime example is the case of Martin Shkreli, who infamously raised the price of the life-saving drug Daraprim by a staggering 5,000% - from $13.50 to a jaw-dropping $750.00 per pill. While Shkreli received a prison sentence for unrelated crimes, the price of Daraprim remains unchanged, highlighting the systemic issues at play.

My Vision for a Healthy Community: A Multi-Pronged Approach

 

Preventive Care and Education

 

My healthcare plan emphasizes a holistic approach, focusing on both prevention and treatment. We need to prioritize education about healthy living - physical and mental - for people of all ages. Promoting simple practices like frequent handwashing is crucial.

 

Strengthening Food Security

 

Food pantries played a vital role during the pandemic, and I advocate for their continued operation in underserved communities. Expanding mobile food pantry services, particularly in NYCHA neighborhoods, would ensure accessibility to nutritious food.

Promoting Healthy Activities for All

 

I envision creating online, multi-generational exercise programs accessible through the Mayor's Office of Media and Communications. This initiative, similar to "We Speak NYC," could encourage people of all ages to stay active.

 

Optimizing Community Spaces

 

While space may seem limited, there are underutilized spaces in places like Resorts World Casino, churches, schools, libraries, and NYCHA buildings. My plan is to create partnerships that provide access to these spaces for youth groups, health fairs, and other community events.

 

Ensuring Essential Services

 

I will work to guarantee the consistent operation of cooling centers and heating centers, especially in underserved areas like some NYCHA locations.

Bridging the Digital Divide

 

Broadband access is essential for healthcare access, education, and overall well-being. I advocate for city-wide free high-speed internet, particularly in NYCHA residences where students and seniors rely heavily on it.

 

Accessibility for All

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The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a cornerstone of inclusivity. It's unacceptable that after 30 years, many public spaces - trains, schools, buildings - remain non-compliant. My plan is to prioritize achieving full ADA compliance across the city.

 

Focus on Transportation

 

Accessible transportation is crucial for health, housing, and overall well-being. While NYC buses are well-equipped, I will focus on improving accessibility in other sectors, such as the Long Island Railroad and the subway system, to ensure everyone can navigate the city freely.