For many Model Neighborhood residents who cannot afford expensive medical services or insurance, adequate care for health problems is difficult to find. Additionally, the rate of chronic ill health is higher for Model Neighborhood residents than for the city as a whole. To upgrade the quality of health care available within the Model Neighborhood, First Action Year projects have focused on the most pressing needs. Through Model Cities funding, more hospital services, more doctor services, and transportation to medical facilities will be provided. A unique health insurance plan is being launched so that residents may afford these services. FIVE YEAR GOAL To bring Neighborhood health standards up to city-wide levels. COMPREHENSIVE NEIGHBORHOOD HEALTH CENTER The Comprehensive Health Center is the counterpart for Wayne Miner Health Center, which serves the northern portion of the inner city Seven Model Neighborhood residents serve on the board of the nonprofit corporation which operates the center (Directors are listed on page} The Health Center will serve 65,000 Model Neighborhood residents, and 102 people will be employed there it will provide complete physician services, dental care, social services nursing and home care, homemaker services, and transportation The center will be coordinated with the Wayne Miner Health Center and its satellite unit, as well as with other nearby health service centers, such as General Hospital. MENTAL HEALTH AIDES Though the Western Missouri Mental Health Center provides out-patient and short term in-patient care, it cannot possibly meet all of the community's importan: mental health needs. Its budget is limited, and legal requirements further restrict it. The Greater Kansas City Mental Health Coundation will set up a 90-day training program for mental health aides. The aides will work in the Wayne Neighborhood Health Center and the satellite units. All aides will be hired from the neighborhood areas. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. Model Cities will contribute $1,000,000 to help build Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Hospital The new facility is a replacement for Wheately Provident Hospital, which has served the community 58 years. This community project will generate jobs for MN residents and create a need for various supportive businesses surrounding the hospital. A fund drive to build the hospital has been underway since 1961. Contributors represent a cross-section of Kansas City, from MN residents to affluent businessmen. In addition, funds from HEW under the Hill-Burton hospital construction program will be used. Among Model Cities requirements are a 24-hour emergency service and the reservation of five per cent of the hospital beds for medically indigent patients. PREPAID HOSPITAL INSURANCE Medical and hospital costs have soared in recent years, yet many MN residents cannot afford hospitalization insurance at any price. A pilot insurance program will determine the possibility of setting up a more comprehensive prepaid hospital insurance in the MN program. The City Health Department will administer the project. Residents will participate in carrying out the project through membership on the Wayne Miner Health Center Advisory Board. |