Candidates for elected city offices were all asked the same questions by the Bexar County Medical Society and have submitted answers to those questions as shown below.
This information is provided as a service from the Bexar County Medical Society, but is not an endorsement.
BCMS does not make endorsements of any candidates for office nor of elected officials.
This information is provided as a service from the Bexar County Medical Society, but is not an endorsement.
BCMS does not make endorsements of any candidates for office nor of elected officials.
Paul Martin
City Council District 8
2017 Mayoral/City Council Candidates
Health Care Questions
1. Despite affecting everyone in this
community, "community health and wellness" has not been a big
priority at City Hall. "Community health and wellness" had one third
of the ranking that "streets" received in community input via
SpeakUPSanAntonio. Yet it impacts our well being, workforce, economic
development and the prosperity of San Antonio.
What health-related areas do you think deserve increased attention,
priority, and local resources, and, if elected, how would you elevate the
discussion of these health issues at City Hall and lead effective action to
improve health and healthcare in our community?
Obesity and diabetes are major problems for our city. We
should be making a much bigger effort to combat them.
2. Bexar County is the primary source of funding for
indigent health care in our area through the Bexar County Hospital District and
University Health System. How would you, if elected, promote cooperative
efforts to increase services and access to care for the citizens of San
Antonio?
I need to learn more about this issue before offering
solutions, but I do want to learn more about how healthcare is provided to the
poor.
3. The disparity of health care between our poorest and
wealthiest zip codes/districts is quite striking (Bexar County Health
Collaborative 2016 report). How would you, if elected, reduce health
disparities and improve health outcomes for our lower income communities/citizens?
The disparities are primarily related to wealth and
income, so poorer areas need more healthcare support.
4. San Antonio has a high incidence of obesity and diabetes
mellitus and has been ranked as high as second in the nation for obesity in
recent years. Past city efforts attempting to improve these rates, such as
trying to reduce the prevalence of sugary drinks in our community, have been
met with controversy. What ideas do you have to reduce the incidence of these
chronic health issues?
I
think that promoting awareness and education are the primary ways to begin
tackling the problem.
5. According to the CDC, child abuse and neglect are
serious problems that can have lasting harmful effects on its victims. The goal
in preventing child abuse and neglect is clear — to stop this violence from
happening in the first place. What local policies, resources and
efforts will you support to promote safe, stable, nurturing relationships and
environments for all children and families?
Education is critical and I would work to
promote all forms of education to help reduce child abuse and neglect.
