CAMDEN (October 10, 2006) — Dr. Fred M. Jacobs, M.D., J.D., Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, will discuss the healthcare crisis confronting Camden City and possible solutions at a special lecture:
Residents of the nation’s poorest city suffer disproportionately from health problems, including injury, HIV, diabetes, obesity, heart disease and mental illness. But the residents—44 percent who fall below the poverty level and 30 percent of whom are uninsured—do not have easy access to primary care physicians or specialty care, resulting in an over-utilization of hospital emergency rooms.
Also lacking are mental health services and education initiatives that could prevent future health problems. The forum is one of a series of lectures held at the Community Hall of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Camden. Previous lectures have featured former Major League Baseball Commissioner Faye Vincent, papal biographer George Weigel, DEA Administrator Karen Tandy, CNN’s Mark Shields and Ambassador Thomas Melady, who served as Ambassador to the Vatican, Burundi and Uganda. Lunch is included.
A $25 donation is requested and special student rates are available. The Cathedral Community Hall has secure and ample parking. For more information, contact (856) 964-1580