November Monday

I've been laser focused on the raging health care debate, due to the fact that this issues is a ground zero tipping point within the the LGBTQ community. This is especially significant as I navigated through the system involving my own critical crisis which pushed me to learn what my rights were as a enduser and patient. Our own represenatives Lincoln and Pryor now spotlighted as key players in this hot button topic have been cited as possible filibusters on the issue. I watched as MSNBC host, Keith Olbermann called out these individuals for their positions and put his money where his mouth was in supporting the local free clinic in this city. Ironically, as Lotto and Poweball fever takes hold, it's reported that over $100,000 in sales occurred from Saturday nights launch. I would suspect that most likely some of those spending those resources in search of "instant riches" will partake in this FREE health clinic, instead of making a donation to offset clinic expenses. In a recent e-blast, further details have been released along with contact information. I'm posting that blurb for your FYI, in leiu of the fact that polls have showed that a "public option," is supported in this state. Health care reform is a true Hot Topic that should concern every one in the lavender community and beyond. It is reprinted unedited.

Little Rock Free Clinic Cometh

The Statehouse Convention Center in LittleRock will be the site of a free medical clinic for people seeking care from a health professional on Saturday, November 21, 2009 Lieutenant Governor Bill Halter said today. The National Association of Free Clinics (NAFC), anational nonprofit organization, will operate the clinic."This is a fantastic opportunity for Arkansans who need health care to get the medical attention they sorely need, at least for a day. We are profoundly grateful to the National Association of Free Clinics andKeith Olbermann, without whom this would not be happening," Halter said.The NAFC will set up a registration process for patients and volunteersleading up to the November 21 clinic. The Alexandria, Va.-based non-profit organization operates as an advocate for more than 1,200 freemedical clinics and the people they serve nationwide. The non-profit organization engages a volunteer workforce of doctors, dentists, nurses, therapists,pharmacists, nurse practitioners, technicians and other health care professionals to help meet the medical needs of patients served by free clinics.The NAFC has received donations from people responding to a call from Olbermann, an MSNBC news anchor, for free medical clinics in six states,including Arkansas. Olbermann issued the call last week during hishour-long "Countdown with Keith Olbermann" program, which airs at 7 p.m. CST Monday through Friday on MSNBC. He announced the date and location of the Little Rock clinic on Thursday night's program and also reported that 13,600 people had donated more than $1 million to the NAFC."I applaud Keith Olbermann for the passion and sense of urgency hehas brought to the national health-care debate," Halter said. "I congratulate him, along with thousands of Americans, who have opened their wallets to help make these free medical clinics a reality."Halter said he believed the one-day clinic also would help raiseawareness of the free clinics already operating in Arkansas that workdaily to fill the gaps in health care for the uninsured, underinsuredand medically underserved.The Lieutenant Governor arranged the date and location for the clinic,working with Nicole Lamoureux, executive director of the Alexandria,Va.-based NAFC. Lamoureux booked the bottom floor of Convention Center,which offers more than 80,000 square feet of space for the one-day clinic. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Garry Hoffmann at 501-683-6970 or email: garry.hoffmann@ arkansas.gov