Health care within everyone’s reach

On July 20, The Gazette published an article 'Care providers leaving poor areas” about medical providers leaving low income areas.

The article focused on Milwaukee and New York City, but I feel it is important to point out to Gazette readers that in Cedar Rapids we are blessed to have our medical corridor close to both free clinics, shelters and some of its lower income housing.

The article stated that residents were unhealthy because providers and hospitals had moved away.

Mercy and St. Luke's are in the downtown area and continue to provide services. In fact, some providers, such as Physician's Clinics of Iowa (PCI) have chosen to stay downtown.

Moving out of the area would have given them the opportunity to spread out in a less populated area, but they have chosen to stay.

The article mentioned that residents of Milwaukee and New York City are less healthy because their providers are so far away from low income areas. Cedar Rapids has its medical facilities downtown and accessibility to health care for many low income residents is not an issue.

His Hands Free Medical Clinic would like to thank all the providers who have chosen to volunteer at the clinic to invest in the health of some of the most vulnerable members of our community. Cedar Rapids is blessed by their generosity.

Dawn Brouwers

Executive Director

His Hands Free

Medical Clinic

Cedar Rapids