Bonnie Neely on healthcare

By Bonnie Neely

Accomplishments in affordable healthcare

As your 4th District Supervisor, I have always championed the cause of affordable health care by coming up with creative solutions that don't raise taxes. Until the time comes when all citizens in America have access to the health care they deserve, I will continue to do whatever it takes to bring affordable health care to Humboldt County.

With the expansion of the Burre Dental Clinic in Eureka, hundreds of more people and families will have access to dental care -- something that is so important for children in their formative years. Access to dental care now, ensures a healthy future for tomorrow. I commend the Open Door Community Health Clinic for recognizing and responding to the need for more dental care in our community.

One of my most proud accomplishments was spearheading the county's Children's Health Initiative, which provides insurance to 4,000 children who would have otherwise gone without. I also helped secure funding to bring tele-medicine behind the redwood curtain at the Open Door Community Health Clinics and St. Joseph Hospital.

I'm also honored to say I have received an Achievement Award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for recognizing my work on behalf of the elderly. With former Assemblymember Patty Berg, I co-founded the Redwood Jazz Festival and Blues by the Bay, which has contributed more than $350,000 to local senior and youth programs.

With your vote on June 8th, I will continue working toward creative solutions that don't raise taxes when it comes to health care. Thank you.