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Community Health Center Hosts Annual Fundraising Luncheon
Medford, Oregon (10/28/09) -- Community Health Center is hosting its eighth annual Ticket to Health luncheon on Wednesday, November 4, at 12 noon at the Red Lion in Medford. The free luncheon event themed “Change We Can … Change We Must,” is expected to raise funds for the medical care to uninsured and underinsured families in our community. A limited number of guest seats are still available. Call 842-7711 for a reservation.
Patsy Smullin, owner-president of KOBI-TV/NBC 5, will welcome guests and introduce retired cardiologist and keynote speaker John Forsyth, MD who will present from a clinician’s point of view the inadequacy of our current health care system, the multiple consequences for uninsured patients and our community’s response to keeping our neighbors healthy in the meantime.
In 2007, 42% of Americans had limited or no access to health care. That number is now rapidly approaching 50% according to Forsyth. “When people lose their job, they also lose access to employer-sponsored health insurance.” Jackson County’s unemployment rate at 13% is higher than both the state and national rate and leaves many families struggling to make ends meet. “It then becomes a choice between basic needs and health care needs,” says Forsyth. Community Health Center helps reduce health care costs for everyone by providing primary medical care to people who might otherwise delay treatment and end up in an emergency room -- a far more expensive alternative.
Established in 1972 as Ashland Women’s Health Center, today clinics in Ashland, Medford and White city offer a wide-range of primary medical care to families and individuals of all ages and backgrounds. A dedicated team of physicians, family nurse practitioners, physician assistants, social workers, nurses and support staff provide medical care that is affordable, timely and accessible to thousands of Jackson County residents.
This event was sponsored by CareSource/Mid Rogue Health Plan, Lithia, Inc., KOBI/NBC5, Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield, Pacific Source Health Plans, Avista, United Risk Solutions, Eisenstein Financial Services, Pacific Power & Light, People's Bank of Commerce, and South Valley Bank & Trust.
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