To the Editor:
Despite being one of the wealthiest communities in the country, Montgomery County is not exempt from poverty. Many residents lack the means to obtain health insurance and/or medical care.
Councilmember George Leventhal's signature accomplishment, Montgomery Cares, established in 2005 and expanded steadily since then, has helped to bridge this gap by connecting uninsured residents with a primary care physician in a network of affordable clinics. Over 31,000 residents will see a Montgomery Cares doctor this year alone. Long before federal health reform was enacted, Councilmember Leventhal was, and he continues to be, in the forefront of developing life-changing programs that have ensured access to care for tens of thousands and made Montgomery County a healthier place to live, work and learn.
Montgomery County needs to keep George Leventhal on the County Council!
Carol W. Garvey, MD, MPH
The writer was Montgomery County’s health officer from 1995-2003.