A 'shot in the arm' for one local clinic
Stimulus funds help more low-income families pay for health care
The average American spends nearly $8,000 a year on healthcare.
But as the economy ails, more than half of Americans say they're staying away from the doctor to save money. One KOTA Territory clinic is trying to change that, with more than an 'apple a day.'
Caring for three-month-old twin boys is tough enough. Doing that on a $500 a month income, with more than $21,000 in medical debt is almost impossible for Maranda Little and Jacob Riley.
I don't have money for diapers.
So, the new parents rely on the Rapid City Community Health Center to keep them, and their babies, Ryan and Michael, healthy.
"I just want them to be happy with whatever they're doing and have an enjoyable long childhood," Little said.
Now, doctors and nurses here can care for more children and parents. With a nearly $600,000 'shot in the arm' from the stimulus, they will add a full-service clinic at General Beadle Elementary school.
"Now, we have another access point to be able to reach people," said Jacki Holmes, the nurse manager at the center.
And, that helps improve preventative medicine.
"If you're going and you're getting your immunizations, you're getting your yearly exams, you're having teeth cleaned. All those things make for a healthier individual," Holmes said.
And Holmes says that leads to a healthier economy.
"It's just going to help decrease medical costs overall," Holmes said.
Last year, the government spent $2.4 trillion on healthcare. That number is expected to almost double by 2017.
"We see people in such great need of healthcare," Holmes said.
But, Holmes hopes that number goes down, when she's able to take care of more people like the twins and their parents.
In all, 7,000 clinics across the country will receive stimulus money for preventative medicine.
The Rapid City Community Health Center is the only one in KOTA Territory.