Eva M. Clayton: “there are those in this body who would have America believe there is no health care crisis. I stand before you today to…”

“there are those in this body who would have America believe there is no health care crisis. I stand before you today to say, shame on them. Shame on them for trying to deny over 37 million of their fellow citizens who stand to lose everything they have, if they are faced with a serious illness or injury. Those who live in rural areas like my own district have an even greater problem--that of access. They often put off going to the doctor until they are faced with a medical emergency. Then, they have to drive many miles to the nearest hospital. Mr. Speaker, this is expensive, inhumane, and unacceptable. It is a crisis of the worst sort. We must have health care reform now, with coverage that is universal, affordable, and portable. And for the people who live in rural areas and urban centers where access is a tremendous problem, we must empower community health centers to do what they do best. We must protect this grassroots health care delivery system if we are ever to fully address the problem of access. I ask you to join me in support of the Access to Community Health Care Act, and the Community Health Improvement Act. They will ensure that this main artery to preventive health care will not be shut off from those who so desperately need it.”