As the never-ending drama over health care reform continues in our nation's capitol, we are reminded by a newspaper article from Feb. 2, 1945, that reminds us that the concern over care for the sick is certainly nothing new.

The headline in the old, now-defunct Democratic Advocate, reads, "O'Conor Signs Bill to Provide Care for Indigent Ill."

"In affixing his signature to the administration-sponsored Medical Care Bill, thus enacting it into law, Governor Herbert R. O'Conor put Maryland at the head of all 48 States of the Union in the matter of State provision of medical care to those of its citizens unable to pay for this vital service," the story said.

Readers who have been following the debate over health care reform in Congress will particularly enjoy the following paragraphs in the article:

"As the Baltimore Morning Sun expressed it: 'The virtue of the proposal lies in the fact that it endeavors to improve the existing system, which has accomplished so much, rather than to destroy the whole structure and to attempt to erect something completely new and untried.' "

The article goes on the say:

"Maryland's medical care proposals, which were formulated with the closest cooperation between the medical profession and the State Health Department, have received the most thorough consideration and widespread approval by medical authorities throughout the country. ...

" 'It is in this way, viewing the problems and considering how to meet it,' the editorial said, 'That the Free State of Maryland proposes to look after its own.

"It deserves the thanks of the entire hospital and medical fields for the sane and courageous example it now offers, in the face of the federal threat. That example should be widely followed.' "

Historically we have always been fortunate in Carroll County to have a strong tradition of health care providers to "look after our own."

Under the headline, "Three County Doctors Honored," the same newspaper reported June 20, 1947, that at the meeting of the Carroll County Medical Society at the Charles Carroll Hotel in Westminster, "Three physicians were honored for having given 50 years of service to citizens of Carroll county.

"The vice president, Dr. Reuben Hoffman, superintendent of the Henryton Sanatorium, presided at the meeting. Dr. Lewis K. Woodward was in charge of arrangements. ...There were about 40 present. Recognition was accorded the three physicians, who had given 50 years or more to their profession ...

"Dr. J. J. Stewart has served 62 years, Dr. Joseph E. Bush, 51 years; and Dr. Charles R. Foutz, 50 years. Doctors Stewart and Foutz are from Westminster, and Dr. Bush is a resident of Hampstead."

It's not exactly medicine, but it makes me feel good to see how we used to celebrate the exception care of our local medical professionals.

As we look around today, there's still a lot to be thankful for.

When he's not worrying over the aches and pains of getting old, Kevin Dayhoff may be reached at kevindayhoff@gmail.com, or visit him at www.westminstermarylandonline.net.

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