America’s health care system is in intensive care. More than 40 million Americans are without health care and the numbers are growing by the day, but those in rural areas have been hit hardest by a system more interested in profits than people. When there is an emergency, especially when those in need may live miles from medical facilities, every minute counts. Yet rural hospitals continue closing, doctors leave to work for giant HMOs and people like my family in Red Oak are left behind and forgotten.

Cost is also a major factor when it comes to access to medical care. People should not go without health care if they cannot afford it or their employer does not provide it. All too often people have to choose between going to a doctor or health care practitioner and buying food. This should never occur in the United States. Our citizens, young or old, should never have to make this choice.

In addition to lowering costs, we also need to work with the health care industry, on an individual level as well as governmental, to educate individuals about preventative steps they can take through regular check-ups, exercise and other healthy lifestyle choices. With some common sense and tough decisions we can make America a healthier place at a cost we can all afford.