While Seattle weather would indicate that summer hasn't really even
begun yet, my time here is beginning to wind down. I've now completed
all of my interviews with the women- 34 in total, and am set to begin an
overall analysis.The first part of this analysis includes a look at bus
routes and health care provider proximity.
More specifically, due to budget cuts, many Seattle
bus lines are slated to be severely reduced, if not cut entirely. I'm
curious to see if these impending reductions would indeed impact
access to the current health care providers they frequent. In short, it
seems like the answer is 'yes.'
A
total of at least six bus lines that are used for women to access
particular medical clinics, hospitals, Department of Social and Human
Services and SSI offices are on the chopping block. At least another 23
bus lines necessary for accessing these sites are checked for reduced
schedules/stops, meaning it will take even longer to get to an
appointment or visit a clinic for an emergency.
I have to
wonder if this reduction in public transportation will provoke more
people to take an ambulance to the ER. As of now, many of the women I
spoke with who cited the ER as their primary care provider take the bus
there. But, if it's going to require three transfers and an hour ride
just to go two miles, an ambulance surely sounds more appealing if you
don't have the money for a cab...
No comments:
Post a Comment