Two American Economies: For the uninsured, free dental clinic

[EV_Ares]

But Friday, on the front page of the Wall Street Journal Tom Lauricella provides a businessperson's perspective on the two economies in his article "Earnings Show Split Emerging in Economy." Essentially, companies "that sell to other U.S. companies or to customers abroad are proving resilient." But companies that cater to average American Joes, companies such as Harley Davidson and Stanley Furniture Co., are not nearly so optimistic as those that have a global customer base. In fact, those consumer-focused companies aren't exactly sure that anything close to approaching bottom has been reached.

How the "other economy" bears out for the middle income and working poor families is often hard to see, but a recent mercy event in Connecticut provided a unique "visual" of those less fortunate who live and work among us.

A Hartford Courant opinion editorial on Thursday A Mission of Mercy demonstrates that many, many are struggling to meet simple health needs:


Long lines of Connecticut residents seeking free dental care last weekend put a human face on the state's health care failures.

...snip...

A volunteer corps of more than 700 dentists, hygienists and assistants provided free cleanings, fillings, extractions and other procedures on a first-come, first-served basis.

It was the state's first large-scale free dental program. The response was so overwhelming that hundreds of people were turned away.

And earlier in the week, Colin Poitres's straight-forward, just the facts, mam news report on the free clinic provided more details Many Turned Away From Free Dental Clinic. Poitres gives the numbers: 350 "patients" who camped out overnight to ensure getting in at 5:00 am when the doors opened. The doors closing at 7:00 am and hundreds turned away in the pouring rain. Over 1000 treated. 700 volunteers -- dentists, hygienists, organizers -- operating 70 dental stations.

Two days later, Poitres summarizes what the turnout "meant" in his article Dental Needs Unmet:

Link to entire article: http://discuss.epluribusmedia.net/node/1359

[aquart]

1. Somebody noticed?

Think the idea will spread?