"Mad-As-Hell Doctors" tour hits Nashville Monday

Lentz Public Health Center draws kudos Tennessean September 20, 2009 A group of doctors who say health care is a right are holding a rally on Monday, beginning at 4:30 p.m., along Charlotte Avenue at 25th Avenue South. The six doctors, part of the "Mad-As-Hell Doctors tour, say they are traveling in their “Care-A-Van” to tell people that a single-payer health system is needed, in which the government covers everyone and the private insurance industry is cut out. The message is flatly opposed by many, who say they want the government to play little or no part in the health care system. The government is involved in health care today in programs such as Medicare, which is for those who are 65 and older. The rally includes a march at 5 p.m. to the nearby HCA Headquarters at One Park Place, one of the country's large private health care companies. The group says health care reform is stymied by corporate interests that make campaign contributions to lawmakers. "This industry has hijacked health care--they are all about profits, and not the public good," Dr. Paul Hochfeld, a Corvallis, Ore., emergency room doctor for 24 years, said in an emailed statement. Supporters will deliver gift baskets before the event to the staff of Lentz Public Health Clinic, according to the information provided. The Metro Nashville center, which provides flu shots among other services, is an example of a publicly funded health care program that, though operating on a shoestring, provides valuable health care services, the group said. For more information about the doctors and the 26-city tour, see www.MadAsHellDoctors.com. -Staff reports