Health Care

Amid fears of an H1N1 pandemic, Washington is gearing up for the vaccine's proposed launch in mid-October. The Food and Drug Administration approved the anticipated H1N1, or Swine Flu, vaccine last Tuesday. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said, in her address to Congress, that 45 million of the approximately 195 million vaccines ordered by the U.S. government are expected to be delivered next month.

Mary’s Center for Maternal and Child Care physicians advise patients on how to stay healthy during the upcoming flu season.  American Observer photo by Erissa Scalera.

In the same city where officials are working to restructure the national health care system, a recent study revealed a health problem of epidemic proportions: One out of 20 district residents is HIV-positive and one out of 50 residents has AIDS.

The Washington, D.C., area is home to 13 universities and two colleges, serving as home to more than 140,000 students. Hoping to avert a swine flu outbreak in D.C. similar to those at Cornell and in Washington state, the district's universities are gearing up their efforts to inform students and staff about how to avoid the virus.

A student receives a seasonal flu shot at American University.
American Observer photo by Alex Thompson

The high cost of health care and what some refer to as a “broken system” have become top priorites for congressional leaders, health care companies and the American public.

Health care costs, a recession, a high Gross Domestic Product, and a Democratic president who pledges to make health care affordable for all Americans. Welcome to...1993?

The health care debate in the U.S. is decades old; the most recent debate taking place 16 years ago, when President Clinton put forth a plan to reduce costs for all Americans.  Clinton faced opposition, much like President Obama does now. 

Patient navigators offer assistance to patients and families, helping them maneuver the morass of the health care system, while coordinating doctors' appointments and follow-up care.