… then look no further. Right here in Portland, Oregon, we’re growing the greenest grassroots health care program this country has ever seen. As its namesake implies, Working Class Acupuncture offers treatments on a sliding scale, providing those on a tight budget with a means for keeping healthy, stating simply that “acupuncture shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg!” And to make the situation even greener, it’s getting national recognition, in magazines like Yes! and the popular Integrator Blog.
Yep. It’s about flippin’ time….
The individuals who formed this collective of acupuncturists have created a comfortable and effective way to help low-income individuals manage chronic and acute health concerns. In essence, Working Class Acupuncture has masterminded a successful marriage of business and health care: adequately treating the patient’s needs, paying its acupuncturists a decent wage, and reducing the burden of overall health care costs. And they make it seem easy, real easy.
Our crippling health care system could use a few pointers from Working Class Acupuncture; especially at a time when the health of our nation should be a top priority, not vaguely discussed from the bully pulpits of big businesses, touting that a universalized approach as its best solution. Glossed over solutions created in board rooms are not adequate assessments of our current situation, as each strategy from these locals are not local, but far removed from the sources of discomfort, pain, and suffering of our populace. The current state of disease and ever-increasing health care costs are more than enough a reason for a fresh perspective.
It’s so simple, so effective, so easy to have right in the comfort of your own community. Organize and make the changes you wish to see, it’s that easy!
“Start small, act with intention and impact, and create big waves in local communities! More power to the working class,” I say. More power to those individuals that choose to work outside the box digging up new designs for health care management. Kudos!
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
if you like radio, check out this on Working Class Acupuncture,
http://hoe.kgnu.net/hoeradioshow.php?show_id=52
K Marsman
thanks for the mention! And what a cool picture!
Do you know about CAN? that is the national membership organization for acupuncturists who are interested in our model. We would love to have you join. We have a pretty lively blog on our front page — currently there is quite a bit of discussion about the first professional doctorate for acupuncturists. We’d be interested in your thoughts:
http://www.communityacupuncturenetwork.org/index.php
WCA isn’t currently hiring, but believe me, when we take over the world, we will be. Stay tuned.
Welcome to the dark side,
Lisa
HeyHey!
Brooklyn Community Acupuncture has the same agenda for healthcare: affordable and comfortable treatment options. This past weekend, artists and practitioners of medicine gathered to raise money and awareness for their clinic, talk about a welcoming community! Check them out:
http://www.brooklyncommunityacupuncture.com/