6 BOCNEWS.com JUNE 2019 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. — Matthew 9:36 Ivisited a large inner city outside of Denver recently. I was in the middle of an impoverished community in the center of the country. For the black population who lived there, just driving down the street showed that they lived in poverty. The houses we drove by displayed severe poverty and it was sad to see. There were even too many abandoned, dilapidated buildings which is another sign of living in a poor community. One thing we can be assured of, and that is, were there is poverty, there is illness, and premature sickness and even we can say premature death and suffering. I don't just need to read medical reports to be informed of this. I grew up in a home where there were living two par- ents and 11 children. I was the oldest of the children. One tragic thing that happened to us is the poor liv- ing conditions we lived in. We lived in a crowed situ- ation, infested with numerous, roaches and mice. It was by the mercy of God that we lived long enough to leave our home because we were old enough to leave home. I do not remember ever seeing a doctor when we got sick while growing up, even when we became acutely ill. The first time I saw a doc- tor after I got older was when I turned 19 and was drafted into the Army! One sad thing that happened as I was growing up is that three of my siblings and a cousin all died as young adults. It was heartbreaking! When I think of what hap- pens nationwide, I get upset. Too many black people die at a relatively young age. Who is at fault here? At times the patient is disillusioned by past experi- ences and just does not seek the care they need and seek and demand the type and focus of care they need. At other times due to past negative experi- ences one may not even bother to seek medical help or share the information needed to have a doctor assist them. One does not need to be confrontational or hostile, but just obtain a reasonable solution to a problem. Also be aware of what might or could hap- pen if your symptoms portend a serious condition you had not even thought of. Think of what could happen if your symptoms don't resolve? Suppose the symptoms or problems you have represent a more serious problem than you had even thought of. At times with trust and a good working relation- ship, there might be a better outcome after a medical examination and assessment. Because of rapport and good communication, a black man can get better care from a black physician. In addition, we need more male physicians as they are even more in short supply than females. Think of what it is like if you have walked where you patient has walked and had to live where your patient lived. Think of you seeing a patient and you went through the same disparities you went through. These dis- parities can include: education, housing, jobs, income, criminal justice, and geography. We do need more black physicians as it may lead to better care con- sidering all the ramifications noted. We need not a short- age but more black physicians as this may improve outcomes and rapport. We can only look to our educational and our social systems to see if it will make a significant con- ditional change. We need to do what we can to improve our society as a whole, and since we are living in a country that is relatively wealthy, we should be able to do this. We also need to think about help for everyone and this includes young and old. More Black Doctors Needed in America Dr. Conner By Byron E. Conner, M.D. HEALTH Too many black people die at a relatively young age. A Christian Nation Does a Christian nation slaughter people without due process? Does a Christian nation elect known liars? Does a Christian nation sanc- tions the killing of a 12 year, but cry over a baby not yet born? Does a Christian nation favor a puppy over a human? Does a Christian nation ignore the poor and the homeless? Does a Christian nation elect a draft dodger? Does a Christian nation erect a colossus with the inscription, “Keep, ancient lands, your sto- ried pomp!” cries she With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tem- pest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” Yet builds a wall on its southern border and not the northern bor- der? Does a Christian nation kill its citizens and have a picnic? Does a Christian nation have multiple sets of justice? Does a Christian nation choose leaders who are amoral and immoral? Does a Christian nation enjoy hatred of other mankind? Does a Christian nation care about the health of its citizens? Does a Christian nation start private schools so they can limit which students will attend? Does a Christian nation elect a known liar and cheat? Does a Christian nation ignore the law of the land, if the perpetra- tor is a family member or friend? Does a Christian nation pray for rain on an outdoor event held by its political rival? Does a Christian nation say, “the ends justify the means”? Does a Christian nation elect a known adulterer? Does a Christian nation seek to start wars to make money? Does a Christian nation pass laws that favor the wealthy, but harm everyone else? Does a Christian nation eliminate GOD from the educational system of its children? Does a Christian nation lie about its history to its citizens? Does a Christian nation promote separation on Sunday by pigmen- tation, education, ethnicity, country of origin Poetry Cornner By The Thinking Man LOCAL CALENDAR Send in your Listing for free! First Lady Turns 70 JUNE 8 — Sat. 6pm. - 10pm, The Queen - First Lady Rev. Ida Gice Smith of Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church turns 70. @ Embassy Suit Hotel 4444 North Havana St. Denver, 80239 Tickets: donation $50. "70 The Year of Promise" Psalm 90:10. For more information call 720-635-1534 or email: Idagicesmith@comcast.net "FORMAL ATTIRE REQUIRED." Men's Day JUNE 9th&30th — The Men of Redemption Missionary Baptist Church, located at 3441 28th St under the Pastorate of N. M. Sullivan, invites you to worship with us as we celebrate with a Pre-Men's Day Musical on Sun, June 9th at 330pm and concluding with a Men's Day Service on Sun, June 30th at 330pm Theme Psalm 8:4, 'What is Man'. We extend a heartfelt invitation to the All of God's Children, to come praise and lift the name of Jesus. Nursing Symposium JUNE 15th — Sat. Rare Opportunity for New Nurse Profession Graduates. 10am - 2pm at the Saint Joseph Hospital's, Sterne Elder Conference Rm of the Russell Pavilion: 1375 E. 19th Ave. in Denver. The Eastern Colorado Council Black Nurses Inc. will offer its New Graduate Symposium. Free and public opportunity for new graduates pursuing the nursing profession, whether a newly graduated CNA, LPN, ADN, or BSN, as well soon to graduate nursing students. Registration is preferred instead of required. Plase RSVP https://ccbn_eccbn-nnurse- profession-advancement.eventbrite.com — Seating is limited. For more info contact Dr. Margie Cook President. President@eccbn.org 303- 919-9665