More to healthcare than just going to the doctor; Capital week

What to look for on Smart Talk Thursday, March 2, 2017:

A healthy community requires more than simply getting medical attention.  Other factors contribute to the overall health of people. 

Financial stress causes people to put off paying for health care in favor of more pressing responsibilities:  food, shelter, utilities.  Gaps in public health programming leave those reliant on such services waiting for care.  And often health care resources are geographically inaccessible for those seeking treatment.

A 2016 report commissioned by Family First Health determined that the poverty levels in the city of York are beyond national and state averages, and there are direct correlations between socio-economy and health care.  Transportation, adequate health education and awareness of nutrition are lacking in York communities.

Smart Talk addresses the obstacles that stand between Pennsylvanians and quality healthcare with Family First Community Health CEO Jenny Englerth.

Also, committees in the Pennsylvania General Assembly are holding budget hearings.  The news that often comes out of these hearings often isn’t directly related to dollars and cents.

Even though money was behind the layoffs of unemployment compensation workers in December, the big story out of a hearing this week is that unemployed Pennsylvanians are waiting for hours to get service when they apply. 

Frank Brogan, the Chancellor of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education reiterated what he told us on Smart Talk last week that fewer students and tight budgets for the 14 state-owned universities may result in one or more schools closing or mergers of institutions.

WITF’s Capitol Bureau Chief Katie Meyer joins us on Smart Talk with more insight.

EMAILS

– I doesn’t matter how many health centers we have, or the coverage of health insurance.  All you have to do is stand by any check out counter in any grocery store and see what people are eating.   That will show exactly the problems of poor health in this country.                                                 – Cynthia, Juniata County

–  What do you recommend for someone who simply cannot afford their health insurance?                          – Thomas