Dr. Larry Allen

Dr. Larry Allen, chief medical officer for IU Health Goshen, addressed an audience of approximately 50, at Calvary United Methodist Church in Syracuse, Wednesday evening, June 24, as part of Calvary Community Series.

The monthly program invited guest speakers to address community issues in their respective profession. An opportunity to present questions was provided after the guest speakers’ address. Topics have included juvenile justice and education.

Health care was the topic at Wednesday’s gathering. Allen gave a slide presentation that demonstrated the evolution of health care in the U.S., infographics with the rising cost of medical treatment and advertisements for medicine used over the past century.

He began with an old ad for the medicinal use of cocaine as an example of the advances in medical treatment, stating, “We have come a long way.”

Answering the self-posed question: is health care a right or privilege? the doctor responded, “It is a basic human need. Food is a necessity — so is health care, really.”

The presentation continued by addressing four questions often asked regarding health insurance: who is responsible for health care; why is it so expensive; what is the current system; and what is the role of health care in our country?

Who is responsible for health care? Allen answered the question explaining how the government assumed responsibility during the past century. He said with the changes in the Affordable Care Act, the responsibility is shared more evenly among government, employers and individuals.

Advances in technology was given as the primary reason for rising cost of health care. “When I was in medical school we had X-rays and CT scans,” explained Allen. “Now we have many more tests and treatments.”

The doctor attempted to clarify the present system in place, the Affordable Care Act. The act reformed the quality of care provided and determined the percentage of responsibility of each contributing sector. Visual data illustrated how the AFCA created an “exchange” that in time it is expected to lower health care cost.

In his final remarks Allen stated, “No single organization or individual can solve the problem with health care.”

Community services and health care organizations are seeing positive results from partnerships that provide healthy options in the community.

Allen encouraged those in attendance to participate and support local programming that promotes a healthy lifestyle, such as the trails and parks department, the food pantry and emergency services.

“Get involved with groups in the community that are keeping people healthy,” stated Allen.

There were 14 community organizations represented during the event and fellowship time after the lecture. Turkey Creek/Syracuse Fire and EMS were also present with equipment for any one to view.

A group of approximately 50 listened to a presentation on health care by Dr. Larry Allen, Wednesday evening. (Photo by Sandy Greer)