Rise Up

By Kristen Gerber


“Let us rise up today with a greater readiness.  Let us stand with a greater determination.  And let us move on in these powerful days, these days of challenge to make America what it ought to be.  We have an opportunity to make America a better nation,” proclaimed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in his last speech.  Forty years ago he brought the plight of our nation into public view.  His dream is not yet fulfilled and our visions for justice are part of completing it.  Just like Dr. King we must choose to hope and just like Dr. King we must also understand that justice is not going to be achieved over night. 

We face the reality that every attempt to create justice, when measured against any definition of ideal, is inescapably partial and limited.  There is therefore, always criticism, complacency, and there is always need for improvement.  This is sobering and may even seem hopeless.  Among many injustices in the U.S. is our health care system.

“I think more of the population views access to health care as a right and not a privilege. The 2008 elections could be pivotal for American health care if voters give a mandate to our leaders to address the nation's healthcare crisis,” Dr. Bill Werner shares. His experience in public health training and his involvement in organized medicine have driven his interest in advocacy.  Werner sees injustice.  As a result, along with his current position at the Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center as Vice President for Clinical Transformation, he writes a health ministry column in North Park Covenant Church’s monthly newsletter “The Narthex”.  Educating others about our current system is crucial for advocating change.

The challenge for a better nation is not an old idea.  The lens of despair no longer suffices.  If we fail to see a movement of hope, we are not looking for it.  Maybe it is a matter of changing our perspective.  Bill Werner is evidence of hope.  This North Park Alum became interested in public health and returned to graduate school 20 years after completing medical school. His Masters in Public Health degree from UIC School of Public Health in health policy administration gives him additional insight.  “To me, justice is access to quality, affordable health care.” 

We may not see every citizen insured, but we could see lower costs.  We may not know how to answer every question, but we are seeking answers. And the hope for greater change exists even in our own neighborhood.  The Advocate Illinois Masonic Family Medicine Clinic, located at Wilson and Ravenswood, will consider, on an individual basis, uninsured students for discounted or charitable care. The clinic is a short Brown line or Lawrence bus ride. They can be contacted at (773) 561-7500.  Furthermore, Helping Hands Health Center is located at 3502 N. Kedzie.  It provides free medical care for anyone who is not insured and does not qualify for public aide. The clinic also helps undocumented immigrants, as well as those who need medical attention and don’t have the means to pay for it.  The clinic operates both day and night but is BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. For more information, please call Joy Glazer at (773) 588-9640.

I admit that I did not know how many are suffering because of our current system.  I admit that I am insured, that my daily prescriptions are provided, that clinics readily accept me, and until recently I have never thought twice about it.  I admit that I have been naïve.  I admit that I am among a vast population that takes health care as a right and not a privilege.  I admit that I need to invest in advocacy.  I admit that I may fail.

Along with Dr. King, I don't believe that change will come immediately.  I do not know what will happen now or in the near future with healthcare.  I do know that the 2008 elections are going to create an opportunity for great change.  I do know that King’s dream still moves and creates hope for many and that “we’ve got some difficult days ahead.”  I do know that educating others, like myself, about the injustices that face our nation is a must. 

We may not see all wrongs righted, but we see individuals like Dr. Werner practicing a readiness to educate those in his direct surroundings.  We see clinics with great determination offering care to underinsured students and immigrants.  We may not America to what it ought to be today, but we move towards it.   This is where we start.