Death, Sex & Money Filling the Health Care Gap (and Filling Lips!) in Appalachia
May 7, 2024
Nurse practitioners Teresa Owens Tyson and Paula Hill-Collins discuss their vital work in rural Appalachia through The Health Wagon. They share their enduring friendship, tackle healthcare challenges, and even venture into beauty treatments like botox. The podcast sheds light on the rural healthcare crisis and highlights the compassionate efforts of these dedicated individuals.
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Marty Bolin's Healthcare Struggles
- Marty Bolin, a fourth-generation coal miner, worked for over 30 years.
- He struggles to pay for healthcare after developing black lung disease and losing his insurance.
Health Wagon's Focus
- The Health Wagon focuses on uninsured and underinsured individuals in Appalachia, addressing high co-pays and deductibles.
- Many residents have insurance only for catastrophic events, lacking essential eye care, dental care, and other services.
Desperate for Healthcare
- People lined up for days at Health Wagon events, desperate for healthcare access.
- Paula's ex-husband remarked he'd rather pull his teeth than wait, highlighting the desperation of those in need.