Bill Keating: “With every study, every research paper, every scientific breakthrough, we have come to understand that most Americans…”

“With every study, every research paper, every scientific breakthrough, we have come to understand that most Americans realize that there is more to healthcare than those who are sick and those who aren't. Really, we can't just focus our treatment on those that are unwell. It is a shortsighted strategy, and unfortunately, the one this country has been employing for far too long before the Affordable Care Act. Why would we only try to treat the problem once it has already occurred, when we can work to prevent it in the first place? The keys to prevention are a healthy living environment and swift access to care, helping us deal with healthcare issues before they become acute. And this approach will save money. With that in mind, I am offering my amendment to appropriate funds to study how to help bring social and behavioral aid programs under the same roof as our traditional healthcare providers. We know there is a link between healthy living, housing, and food security. If we already allocate funds to programs to help facilitate healthy living, why don't we house them in the same place that we are housing these health centers? This works. I have seen it. A holistic approach like this will demonstrate to people in rural, underserved, or underprivileged communities that no matter how seemingly dire their situations, there are paths to healthy living. Sadly, we see daily reminders that where someone is born or where they live can determine so much in their lives.…”