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program are essential. The values to be realized from an improved level of health for America's older citizens are so great that we are confident that cooperation will be forthcoming from all who in our day are custodians of the almost miraculous capacity to maintain the health and cure the diseases of their fellow human beings.

In the light of the above concerns the general board authorizes representatives of the national council to testify at public hearings along the lines herein indicated.

THE CHURCHES' CONCERN FOR HEALTH SERVICES

A pronouncement unanimously adopted by the General Board of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America, February 25, 1960

Churches have a major role in the development of health services. Health and holy are words with a common origin akin to whole, sound, hale, and well. Their close relationship in Christian history stems from the life and work of Jesus Christ who "went about all Galilee teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and infirmity among the people."

Through the centuries, even to this day, Christians have been constrained to show forth the love of God not only by preaching but also by healing. Society has frequently been alerted by the churches to meet health needs. Churches have nurtured a large proportion of the persons engaged in the health professions. Extensive health services have been developed and maintained by churches in this Nation and abroad. Through all their activities in the field of health. churches have aided men more fully to render service to God and their fellows and have expressed the Christian faith in love.

Health is not merely the absence of disease and infirmity, but is a state of physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being. The churches have a continuing concern for all aspects of health, for the well-being of the whole man and the whole community of men. Therefore, churches are urged to work in the community, the Nation, and the world toward (1) promotion of positive optimum health, (2) prevention of disease and disability, (3) treatment and alleviation of disease, and (4) rehabilitation of all persons with disabilities.

FURTHERANCE OF HEALTH

Churches should help their members become aware of health needs. They can promote health by supporting programs which raise standards of living, foster wholesome family relationships, and assist people in developing their capacities. The activities of the churches in pastoral care, Christian education and action, missionary work at home and abroad, social welfare, and world service are among many which encourage healthful living in this Nation and abroad. Health education, usually centered in public health services, voluntary health organizations, and the schools is also a responsibility of church-related health and welfare agencies and should receive attention and support from the churches.

The health of individuals is of deep concern, but Christian responsibility also extends to the public health. Prevention of disease and accidents through such measures as control of the environment, immunization, optimal nutrition, and the practice of principles of healthful living is of paramount importance. Maximum prevention requires support of sound and effective public health programs under both voluntary and governmental auspices.

When disease or disability has occurred, early detection, accurate diagnosis, prompt comprehensive medical care of good quality, and concurrent rehabilitative procedures should be available to all people, without regard to race, religion, ethnic background, or economic circumstances.

Adequate support of public services by church members is necessary to insure basic services of sufficient quality and quantity to meet the needs of the whole community. Economic and manpower aspects of modern health services are of such complexity and magnitude that it is incumbent upon all health agencies, both public and voluntary, to recognize that joint efforts and broad community planning are essential.

SPECIAL CONCERNS

Mental health

The increase in the incidence of mental illness in this generation is alarming. Mental and emotional aspects of all health services and problems demand special consideration by voluntary and governmental agencies. Preventive measures,

early detection, more effective treatment, and rehabilitation should be subjects for expanded programs of research directed by professionally trained personnel. Religion has contributed significantly to the maintenance and recovery of mental health, especially as the assurance of the love of God and fellow men has been imparted by churches to individuals needing recognition and acceptance in an unsettled world. The relation of religion to mental health should be a subject of continuing study.

The churches' contribution should also include participation in cooperative community planning, furtherance of sound community and church-related programs conducive to mental health, and support of more adequate and extensive treatment facilities, including psychiatric care.

Financing of health services

It is now widely recognized that the health of people is an important national resource, and, therefore, Government has increased its responsibility for the maintenance of optimum health. The churches' concept of man, centering upon his creation and redemption by God for a divine purpose, imposes a more fundamental obligation for the furtherance of health. Therefore, the availability and financing of medical care of high quality is of deep concern to the churches. With the rising cost of medical care, serious or extended illness has imposed economic burdens which are beyond the capacity of many individuals and families to meet from current income. There is need for churches and church members to study the economic aspects of health services. Experimental patterns of health service, such as group health programs under the auspices of labor, management, or other responsible voluntary associations of people, deserve encouragement. Flexibility on the part of all health professions and the public; willingness to try new methods; cooperative planning, analysis, and evaluation are required to meet the needs of people.

Continued growth of prepayment methods shows promise of insuring high quality of medical service. The churches should encourage the inclusion of mental, dental, nursing, and other health services in programs of prepaid care, and the extension of the amount and kind of care available to retired and other aged persons and to persons living in rural areas. If voluntary prepayment plans cannot accomplish the desired ends, Government should protect the health of the people by making possible the prepayment of health services.

Health facilities, hospitals, and nursing homes

The traditional and vital role of church-related hospitals and other health services must be maintained and strengthened. It is especially incumbent upon the churches to seek out and help communities which cannot provide adequate health services, and to give sufficient financial support to church-related programs, including hospitals and nursing homes, to enable them to pioneer in meeting health needs. Church members should also support hospitals and services which are not church related.

Churches should insist upon the establishment and observance of high standards of care in all health facilities, especially in those which are church related. In all phases of their operations church-related facilities should reflect the Christian view of the dignity and eternal worth of every person, and the spiritual ministry should be developed as effectively as physical and mental health services. Trained chaplaincy services should be a part of the professional team in hospitals and other institutions of healing.

Health careers

Careers in the health field provide outstanding opportunities for dedicated Christian service. Christian motivation can increase substantially the effectiveness of health workers. Recruitment of qualified health workers should command the attention of the churches. Church-related schools and colleges have particular responsibility for both recruitment and training. The need is not alone for doctors and nurses, but also for many types of paramedical personnel, including dieticians, physical and occupational therapists, and attendants and aids in general and mental hospitals.

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Some church-related hospitals are major training institutions for health workers, especially for physicians, nurses, technicians, and social workers, as well as theological students and chaplains. Their teaching facilities and methods should periodically be evaluated by persons with professional competence and responsibility. Training programs are needed, but they should not be financed as part of the cost of medical care. Other sources of financing must be made available, both within and outside the churches.

Volunteer services

Volunteers, both professional and lay, contribute significantly to health services. Physicians particularly have provided medical services for the economically underprivileged.

Acute shortages of health workers, including nurses, have made lay volunteers essential for the current operation of many health facilities and the provision of significant personal services to patients. In general and mental hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities for the chronically ill and the aged, volunteers have made unique contributions. Volunteer home visitors and home helpers are also assuming increasing importance with the national growth in the number of older persons and the development of home-care services for the chronically ill.

The need for volunteer service is great and offers Christians unparalleled opportunities to witness for Christ with deeds of love and mercy. Local churches should assume a significant portion of the responsibility for recruitment, transportation, training, and sustained organization of volunteer services.

International health services

International health and wholesome international relationships have been advanced by generations of Christian health workers. The need continues with appropriate adjustments in organization and methods as changes occur throughout the world. The work of the mission boards is now supplemented by relief and rehabilitation services rendered through denominational and ecumenical agencies on the national and world levels. Health work, pioneered by Christian missions, has in recent decades been extended by other world agencies, including technical units of the United Nations and of national governments. Both church-related and other international health programs are worthy of strong support from the churches and their members.

Christians should be encouraged and trained to participate directly in voluntary and public programs. Important potentialities for Christian service by churches and church-related agencies may be found in the provision of technical training and Christian experience in connection with the education in this country of students from other nations.

Because world economic and scientific developments profoundly affect the health of millions of people, Christians should be increasingly concerned for programs of mutual aid, both governmental and voluntary. Increasing concern of the churches should also be expressed in relation to such problems as rapid population increases and developments in nuclear science which affect human health.

Health problems at home and abroad offer abundant opportunity for churches and church members to show forth the continuation of the acts of God as supremely revealed in the love and compassion of Jesus Christ.

SILVER SPRING, MD., July 8, 1964.

SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE,
Washington, D.C.

DEAR SIRS: As per suggestion of the Honorable Harry F. Byrd, I would like to have my views on social security put before the above committee.

I feel that a married man should be allowed to earn more than $1,200 a year, for the following reasons:

We have been married 43 years and my wife has not worked in all that time. Now, at the age of 65 she has to work to supplement our income so that we could live at least halfway decently.

I feel that a bachelor or widower, receiving the full amount of social security plus $1,200 a year he is allowed to earn, may get along, but for a married man, that is impossible.

My wife, due to the fact that she has not worked in 43 years, is inexperienced, besides not being in the best of health, cannot find a part-time job, and from personal experience for myself, I found it very tough to find one for myself.

I worked for Peoples Drug Co. but was let out because I could not work the hours they wanted me to.

In fact, because I made $110 for the month of October 1963, I lost a month's check of $176.

It is my feeling that a married man, whose wife, due to inexperience, or ill health, is unable to work, should be allowed to earn $2,600 a year or $50 per week, because there are 52 weeks in a year, not 48, which limits a retired man to less than $25 per week.

Hoping you will give this idea full consideration, I remain,

Yours truly,

MARCUS DONNENFELD.

PETERSBURG, VA., July 29, 1964.

Senator HARRY F. BYRD,

U.S. Senate,

Washington, D.C.

Dear Senator BYRD: My last correspondence with you was May 19, 1964, regarding social security limitations on the earnings of widows with children. Since then, the Honorable Watkins Abbitt has introduced a bill (H.R. 11568) which is still in the committee.

Yesterday the House passed bill H.R. 11865 which raised social security benefits 5 percent and has various other amendments, but nothing has been mentioned about the right to work without losing social security. Mr. Abbitt's bill (H.R. 11568) is a good one and basic in the fundamental freedom for the individual-something which has seemed to fade as our "big business" Government grows. The 5 percent increase is not enough to "take up the slack" in raising a family, and one should have the freedom of being able to earn as much as one can, without being encumbered by a ridiculous $1,200 ceiling or denied their social security. Would it not be better to take off the earning limitations than to give any increase which will cost more to everyone and not mean a "drop in the proverbial bucket" to the individual and his budget?

However, Senator, being realistic, H.R. 11865 has passed the House and is now in the Senate and may possibly be before the Finance Committee; therefore, would it be possible to have "mother's rights to work" amendment (H.R. 11568) incorporated into H.R. 11865, or the idea thereof?

I will be most grateful for any help you can give on this, and will stand by for advice you may have as to my future action.

Most sincerely,

IRIS E. SPACH.

WACO, TEX., July 28, 1964.

Mrs. ELIZABETH SPRINGER,

Chief Clerk,

Senate Finance Committee,

Washington, D.C.

DEAR MRS. SPRINGER: In lieu of appearing before the Senate Finance Committee, if and when hearings are scheduled to consider adding Medicare to H.R. 11865, the Social Security Amendment of 1964, I would appreciate this letter being presented to the Senate Finance Committee.

By all indications and considering present proposed rate and base limitations which are apparently necessary to continue the social security program, the addition of Medicare would only tend to burden the already taxed social security program. The social security tax is very burdensome because it is based on gross income and is proposed to apply to the first $5,400 income. It is suggested that State and local governments be permitted to provide Medicare based on local circumstances and conditions, if the need exists. This observation exists among numerous members of our local populous. Your consideration will be appreciated.

Sincerely yours,

KENNETH K. KENNY.

Hon. HARRY F. BYRD,

Chairman, Committee on Finance,

U.S. Senate:

In lieu of a personal appearance, the Association for Physical and Mental Rehabilitation desires to submit the following statement for the careful consideration of your committee. It applies specifically to social security bill H.R. 11865. It is understood that such written statements of substance will be included in the printed record of the hearings.

The subject headings of this letter are: (1) Purpose, (2) Introduction, (3) Definition of Corrective Therapy, (4) Professional Status and Competence of Corrective Therapists, (5) Need for Their Services, (6) Proposal for Their Inclusion in the Bill, (7) Correspondence and Contacts, and (8) Summary.

(1) PURPOSE

The objective of the Association for Physical and Mental Rehabilitation in this legislation is to achieve equality with the other paramedical therapies.

(2) INTRODUCTION

The membership of the Association for Physical and Mental Rehabilitation is composed of corrective therapists whose livelihood is the profession of exercise therapy. They are dependent upon a nondiscriminatory acceptance of their service by Federal legislation, and for the growth of their profession.

(3) DEFINITION OF CORRECTIVE THERAPY

Corrective therapy is a medically recognized therapy and rehabilitation modality, established after World War II, and operating at present under medical supervision in the Veterans' Administration, State, and private agencies throughout every State in the Union except Alaska and Hawaii.

The function of corrective therapists is given by the U.S. Civil Service Commission in its announcement No. 290-B, dated November 20, 1962, as follows: "Corrective therapists plan, administer, and supervise medically prescribed physical exercises directed toward maintaining or improving the general state of health of the patient by preventing muscular deterioration, conserving and increasing strength, and restoring function. They guide the patients in ambulation and develop proficiency in routines of personal hygiene for bedfast patients." It should be added that corrective therapists work in the general medical and surgical, neurological, psychiatric, tuberculosis, blind, and mentally retarded areas of treatment and rehabilitation. They are particularly skilled in assisting the patient to achieve the activities of daily living such as getting in and out of bed, self-feeding, walking, personal hygiene, and other self-help procedures.

(4) PROFESSIONAL STATUS AND COMPETENCE OF CORRECTIVE THERAPISTS Corrective therapists are recognized by the U.S. Civil Service Commission and their duties are detailed in the U.S. Civil Service Commission classifications under date of August 1961. The nucleus from which the present organization of corrective therapy emerged after World War II was referred to by Dr. Howard Rusk as "the cream of the crop." Dr. Joel Boone, when Chief Medical Director of the Veterans' Administration, considered corrective therapy "a major contribution to medicine."

(5) NEED FOR THE SERVICES OF CORRECTIVE THERAPISTS

In less than a decade more than $150 million have been invested in the construction of the 270 rehabilitation centers and workshops established under the Hill-Burton Hospital Construction Act. With this accelerated construction, it is generally recognized that the greatest impediment to the adequate rehabili tation of the handicapped in this country is the extreme lack of qualified and competent personnel, including corrective therapists. Federal legislation of a nondiscriminatory or restrictive nature must be provided to bring the full potential of the country to meet this need.

(6) PROPOSAL FOT THE INCLUSION OF CORRECTIVE THERAPY IN THIS BILL. The present wording of the bill includes the terms "physical, occupational, and speech therapy." It is proposed that the term "corrective therapy" be in

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