Medical complex won’t improve primary care

Kudos to Dr. Carl Aschoff for questioning the need for a $40 million medical complex on Second Avenue.

Our community suffered a devastating flood two years ago, from which a major segment of the population has not yet recovered. Many of the people affected lost jobs, which meant a loss of medical insurance and the ability to pay for care. There are 30,000 patients seen through the Community Health Free Clinic. As Dr. Aschoff noted, the key to improving care in a population is the provision of primary care.

Yet the new building addresses neither those without insurance or the need for access to primary care. Forty-million dollars for primary care access would go a long way in helping the truly destitute, medically underserved in this community.

A $40 million building will do little to promote overall health in our region, and as Dr. Don Berwick (Institute for Healthcare Improvement) pointed out, would wipe us off the map of fiscally sound and compassionate medical communities.

Dr. Mary Kemen

Cedar Rapids