WSRE, PBS for the Gulf Coast, is launching a new phase of its community health care initiative called “Inside Healthcare” to address the growing concerns regarding health issues in our region. The project, funded by a grant from the Kugelman Foundation, will feature multiple components — free, open to the public town hall meetings giving citizens the opportunity to ask questions and weigh in on issues affecting them; a TV program produced from the town hall meetings; and a comprehensive website with links to local and national resources. The first in a series of four “Inside Healthcare” town hall meetings is planned for Tuesday, December 8 at WSRE’s Amos Performance Studio located on Pensacola Junior College’s Pensacola campus. The topic will be “Treating the Uninsured.” Free and open to the public, doors will open at 6 p.m. with free health screenings and the meeting/TV taping will begin promptly at 7 p.m. The television program is slated to air on WSRE Sunday, January 3 at 7 p.m.
In the United States, there are over 40 million people without health insurance. In Escambia County, the number is 76,000, and in Santa Rosa County there are 18,000 uninsured. It’s the cause of thousands of premature deaths each year. Who are the uninsured and what is their impact on our area’s health care system? And exactly who are these uninsured people? Join WSRE to explore the plight of the uninsured and what local services are available. The panel of experts will include Dr. David Conkle, volunteer medical director of Our Lady of Angels St. Joseph Medical Clinic; Fred Cornett, administrator of Good Samaritan Clinic; Dr. Donna Jacobi, clinical associate professor of FSU College of Medicine; Dr. John Lanza, director of Escambia County Health Department; Dr. Gary Pablo, medical director of Emergency/Trauma Center at Sacred Heart Hospital; David Sjoberg, VP of planning for Baptist Health Care; and Dr. George Smith, medical director of Escambia Community Clinics.
Other topics planned include: preventive medicine, medical technology and end-of-life decisions.
“Health care is a major concern for the people of our area,” states WSRE General Manager Sandy Cesaretti Ray. “WSRE’s Community Health Initiative will identify and address those critical issues to help the people of the Gulf Coast be better equipped with the knowledge and tools to manage their own health. WSRE is pleased to serve as the conduit for this vital information and resources through the power of television.”
