scarcity of U.S. healthcare? and free prescriptions for people with low income...

 Since September, we've had the privilege of leading an adult education class at our church, North Hills Church in Brea. We love getting more involved in this community and have felt God's hand involved in each step that we take towards partnering in ministry with Pastor Doug, Brenton and the rest of the wonderful people there. Pictured above is Randy on our very first week of the class... (No, we didn't teach the parenting class... we left that to professionals.)

The last two weeks we've discussed the topic: Scarcity in U.S. Healthcare. After last week's more informal intro to the topic, where we shared personal experiences -- both positive and negative -- with the more current healthcare programs in place, today we dove into some Biblical teaching and dialogue about the problems with scarcity of access, finances and a few other main things.


We always enjoy it when Dave Gable (former National XA Director) sits in on the class. He never ceases to contribute insightful and authentic thoughts to the discussion, especially today as we looked at the story of the Good Samaritan in comparison to thinking Biblically about caring for the needs of the less fortunate along our paths. Might we learn anything from the Good Samaritan that could apply to our thoughts on healthcare for all humans? (We really aren't trying to get political here -- just thinking about real life people who struggle to get the bodily care they need for one reason or another.)


I realized that God has blessed Randy and I in a few ways that might benefit others to know about:

•  With my current preexisting conditions, prescription coverage is hard to come by, so I've resorted to applying for patient assistance programs and have now received free brand-name medicines straight from the manufacturer. Try googling the manufacturing company of a prescription you are on to see if this could help you out. For an example, click here.
• We have also sought more information on public and county health clinics.
• Also, if you aren't the one dealing with a struggle getting proper healthcare, think of a practical way you can help someone access healthcare or finance the healthcare they need. If there is a single mom in your church or neighborhood, why not offer to watch her kids while she goes to an appointment? 
• I hope to add more and more ideas to this list in the future, but that's all for now.