February 22, 2008

EVS Director Christopher Smith, “King” for a Day

Day to commemorate Dr. King's contribution to improved healthcare access for all

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s famous stand on healthcare inequality was featured at a special ceremony at St. Agnes Hospital, with Crothall Environmental Services Director Christopher Smith in the starring role.  The program also featured Office Manager Michelle Smith as Coretta Scott King.

“Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in healthcare is the most shocking and inhumane.”

Even in the 60s, many hospitals only allowed African American patients to go in through a back entrance to a segregated ward, and black doctors did not have privileges on staff.

Because of Dr. King’s dedication to passing the Civil Rights Act in 1964, Medicare and Medicaid legislation made every hospital a potential recipient of federal funds, and therefore obligated every hospital to comply with civil rights legislation in order to get paid.

Crothall employees Michelle Smith (L) and Christopher Smith (R)