For the last several weeks, U.S. Surgeon General, Vice Admiral Vivek H. Murthy, has been visiting towns across America to understand firsthand the health care challenges Americans face and how they are tackling these issues.
Dr. Murthy made a stop in the Circle City to learn about Central Indiana resident’s issues and to discuss the Affordable Care Act. He said he found that Indiana’s health problems mirror what is happening around the country.
Hoosiers are struggling with obesity and chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. People young and old struggle with mental health issues and many wrestle with substance abuse and addiction.
“One of the things that underlies this is the challenge of not having insurance. People recognize that in order to get treatment you need coverage,” said Murthy. “That’s why we were encouraging people to sign up for health insurance.”
Concerning issues Murthy heard specific to Indianapolis are smoking cessation and infant mortality.
“A special focus was on health disparities in disadvantaged populations,” added Dr. Virginia Caine, director of the Marion County Health Department.
Though his ultimate goal as U.S. Surgeon General is to understand personal health and the health of the nation, he was pleased to learn about solutions Hoosiers are coming up with to address these issues.
For example, Murthy said he learned about a local group working on implementing the federal diabetes prevention program, an evidence-based program for people with pre-diabetes.
As he tours the country, he’s also learning and sharing with communities stellar programs that are tackling health issues. He shared with Hoosiers a family-fatherhood initiative based in Richmond, Virginia that is collaboration between health and faith-based organizations working to create stronger fathers and families.
“I heard about a program in Roanoke, Va. about teaching children in schools about fruits and vegetables. Not only what they are, but what they taste like and how to prepare them. Kids are actually helping parents learn more,” said Murthy. “In Florida, I heard about a collaboration between behavioral health organizations and local government. They’re working to get people who are incarcerated the care they need.”
Due to the severity of the recent measles outbreak, Murthy was asked about his thoughts on this epidemic.
“I’m very concerned. Measles was an illness that was eliminated in the U.S., but in recent years, we’ve seen the infection crop up again. This year, in January alone, we’ve seen well over 100 cases. There’s good news on measles – it’s preventable,” said Murthy.
He talked at length on the importance of vaccines and how today’s vaccinations are safe and highly effective.
Health issues were just part of the community’s conversation with Murthy. He also discussed the importance of health insurance. He believes the Affordable Care Act has been successful thus far and encouraged Hoosiers to get some form of insurance and get the health care they need.
“That doesn’t mean our job (with the Affordable Care Act) is done. We have to keep working to make sure people know about the coverage options and to make sure we strengthen the law and improve it so ultimately, we can provide high quality, affordable care to every American,” he said.
While in Indianapolis, Murthy took a tour of Eskenazi Health, Indianapolis’ multi-million dollar public health facility.
“It’s important for the community to invest in their health care so I’m happy to see this facility and know the story behind it,” said Murthy.
Marion County Health Department’s Caine accompanied Murthy on the tour of Eskenazi Health and was pleased that not only was he looking at the state of the art hospital, but that he took the time to find out about Central Indiana’s health concerns.
“This has been fantastic. He’s learned about local efforts and can provide help from the pulpit of his office,” said Caine.
Murthy was nominated by President Barack Obama in November 2013 and confirmed on December 15, 2014 as the 19th United States Surgeon General. As ‘America’s Doctor,’ Dr. Murthy is responsible for communicating the best available scientific information to the public regarding ways to improve personal health and the health of the nation.
“One of my interests is in not only continue to deliver information to the public that’s scientifically-based about health, but also to modernize how we do that so we are using new technology as well as new approaches to make sure critical information about health are reaching all segments of our population,” said Murthy.
He also oversees the operations of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, comprised of approximately 6,800 uniformed health officers serving around the world to promote, protect, and advance the health and safety of our nation.
