(Birmingham, AL July 10, 2013) – Jefferson County citizens concerned about the negative effects of changes at what was Cooper Green Mercy Hospital are organizing a third community forum to discuss possible solutions to avert a potential healthcare crisis.
The Over The Mountain Democrats is co-hosting the forum set for Tuesday, July 23, 6:30 p.m. at the Vestavia Hills Library (1221 Montgomery Highway, Vestavia, Alabama 35216). The forum moderator is Linda White, investigative reporter for Alabama’s 13 (NBC-13).
This forum features experts to discuss a better alternative to replace the current indigent care system – now called Cooper Green Mercy Health Services – so that all Jefferson County citizens have access to continuous, quality healthcare regardless of their ability to pay.
Invited panelists include Dr. Gregory Ayers, president-elect of the Jefferson County Medical Society, who issued a strongly worded letter in May criticizing the current system at Cooper Green. The physicians’ group is encouraging public support for alternatives that fix the indigent healthcare crisis created since the County Commission voted to end in-patient care and emergency room services at Cooper Green Hospital on Dec. 31, 2012.
Other invited panelists include Dr. Mark Wilson, head of the Jefferson County Department of Health, Dr. Jerry “Mickey” Trimm, Associate Professor at UAB’s School of Health Professions, who will discuss models for a healthcare authority, and Dr. Max Michael, Dean of UAB’s School of Public Health, who proposed an alternative indigent care system for Cooper Green. Jefferson County Manager Tony Petelos is also an invited speaker.
This community forum is sponsored by The Cochran Firm and hosted by: Birmingham View Magazine; Weld for Birmingham; The Terminal; Urbanham.com; What’s Happening Birmingham; W.N. Walker Public Relations; the Public Health Network, Inc.; the Social Concerns Committee of Noble Chapel CME Church; the Metro Birmingham Branch of the NAACP; and the Committee to Protect the Homeless.
