The crisis of the disappearing Black hospitals - includes related article

Until that happens, however, the prognosis for the survival of one of Black America's most crucial institutions remains frighteningly uncertain. So uncertain, in fact, some health care experts like Louisiana State University's Dr. Mitchell F Rice, a leading authority on hospital administration, predict that without federal intervention, all Black hospitals, except Howard and Meharry, will soon close their doors. And that, agree experts, would be a terrible tragedy for America in general, and Black America in particular.

"Before 1965, these institutions were crucial," says Dr. Vanessa Gamble, a social historian and physician who is assistant professor of the history of medicine at the University of Wisconsin. "If they hadn't existed, many Blacks would have had no care, and the Black medical profession would have been demolished because so few would have been allowed to do internships and residencies [at non-Black hospitals]. They were an integral part of American history...."

But it isn't just their historical significance that makes the Black hospital worth fighting for today. On the contrary, experts say, their need and value to Black America is as great as ever.

"When you look at Black hospitals, you can't just look at them as care providers, explains Kevin Lofton. "You must look at aU the features they provide to the community, namely as an employer and an educator. Our role is not just as a care provider. We're a major educator of Black physicians, dentists, nurses and other health care professionals. Your supply of Black medical specialists will dry up very quickly if you don't have Black hospitals."

In addition to its unique role in educating and training Black physicians and a myriad of other health care professionals, the survival of the Black hospital is critical to Black America for another pivotal reason. "It's important that we have institutions that are dedicated to serving the needs of our community, particularly when it comes to an institution that has to do with whether we live or die," explains Dr. Tuckson.

His point is well taken. In the 1990s, it's a grim fact of American life that Black people get poorer health care and die younger than White people--a fact that makes the survival of the Black hospital critical to the survival of Black America.

"Our health care needs are greater in almost every disease category across the board," explains Lofton, "and one of the things we offer is the ability to specialize in care for Blacks in disease areas where we are disproportionately affected."

That's precisely why National Medical Association President Dr. Alma Rose George is urging Dr. Louis W Sullivan, secretary of Health and Human Services and the former head of the Morehouse School of Medicine, to appoint a blue-ribbon task force to propose alternative funding strategies for the 12 surviving Black hospitals.

Under the sponsorship of Dr. joseph Lowery, president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the CEO's of the 12 remaining Black hospitals have joined forces with the National Medical Association, the Black Caucus of Health Workers, the National Black Nurses Association and others to form the Coalition to Save the Black Hospital.