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210 ABOUT THE INSTITUTE. The Institute on Health Care for the Poor and Underserved was established to help address the ironic paradox that in a country that devotes more money per capita to health care than any nation on earth, over 30 million people still lack adequate health protection. Despite a vast commitment of resources, the cost of care is soaring, health care in medically underserved rural and urban communities is limited, and the quality of care is not always reliable. These problems weigh heaviest on the poor, the elderly, those who face a catastrophic illness, and the millions who are uninsured or underinsured. We at Meharry Medical College believe deeply in health care for all. Over forty percent of the black physicians and dentists currently practicing in the U.S. were trained at Meharry; most practice in underserved communities. Meharry formed the non-profit Institute on Health Care for the Poor and Underserved in 1988 to further focus attention on the health of and health care for underserved populations. The Institute aims to solve problems by bringing together health professionals, disseminating critical information, and serving as a focal point for research news. Because the issues that surround health care are complex, the scope of the Institute is broad, encompassing such diverse concerns as the cost of health care; federal, state, and local laws; service delivery and access thereto; bureaucratic regulations and procedures; and individual and group behaviors. The Institute operates a national clearinghouse of information related to the study of health care for the poor and underserved. Health professionals, journalists, students, and others interested in obtaining bibliographic, statistical , technical, or similar information, or referrals to researchers or government agencies, are welcome to contact the Institute. The Institute also offers on-line literature searches for a nominal fee. Selected books, journals, and reprints are available at the Institute for public use. During the first week in October, the Institute convenes a national conference bringing together diverse elements of the health care community to discuss solutions to problems of common concern. Information on the 1990 conference is given on page 206. The Institute also convenes meetings on a local and state level to discuss regional matters. The proceedings of each national conference are contained in one quarterly issue of the Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, a peerreviewed publication containing original papers, reviews, and opinion written by and for health professionals. Subscription information is given on the front inside cover. Contributions to the Institute are tax-deductible. ...

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