un·der·served
1. those who are provided with insufficient services, especially in social and health services
2. in health care, refers to populations that are disadvantaged because of ability to pay, ability to access comprehensive health care, or other disparities for reasons of race, religion, language group or social status
In medicine, public health, and health policy, people throw the word "underserved" (at times, even the underserved themselves) around like a hot potato. For a clinic to qualify for federal funding, it must be located in a "medically underserved area." A free health center in Georgia provides holistic care to low-income, underserved neighbors. But what exactly does this word mean? Who are the underserved? What specific barriers do they face in accessing quality health care and why are they underserved in the first place? How do those without health insurance navigate the Athens health care system, and what safety nets are available when the system fails?
This blog is an attempt to understand the American health care system through a specific examination of Athens, Georgia and to untangle the stereotypes and demystify the lived lives of those society considers underserved. Potential topics include the status quo for the underserved, community health centers and free clinics, and how the Affordable Care Act affects health care in Athens. Stay tuned for a weekly update!
