Doctor's In: TB Outbreak is the Tip of the Iceberg

State officials “defend, the indefensible” claiming the Jacksonville TB outbreak was not an emergency, justifying their not informing legislators or the public while fast tracking the closure of the State’s only TB hospital. That facility, A.G. Holley, typically served the homeless population to protect the public from disease.  Furthermore, State officials playing down the risk of exposure borders on the criminal and could subject the State to serious liability should anyone of the A.G.
Holley be tied to new cases.

It is true, TB is hard to catch but it is delusional to suggest the homeless population lacks the necessary interaction to spread the disease to communities.  Larger issues are brought to light that touch on the deficiencies of our health and human services structure.

By turning a blind eye to our homeless residents as well as illegals and other disenfranchised populations, communities are at risk for any number of communicable diseases that could race through neighborhoods. Respiratory illnesses top the list but there are others.  The TB outbreak should alert our elected officials and the public that health care and other human services need to be provided to any resident while they are here. The access should be as simple as going to the local community health center or health department.

Typically this population fears to access government services. This does not bode well for community risk.  To citizens that argue against services to illegals, I would say that while they are on our soil, the doors should be open for the sake of all of us. 
Germs do not carry passports. 

Questions can be sent to me at mjyacht58@gmail.com.