Myth: Doctors treat disease, social agencies treat problems affecting quality of life.

Fact: The focus of discussion around health care is often about the effectiveness of treatments for illnesses, disease, or injury — a system of symptoms and cures. Ashoka Fellows working in this field define health differently. They look at the many factors that contribute to quality of life and build a broad base of support to address those issues. They enlist pediatricians to testify about the medical ramifications of child welfare policies. They expect that those building elder care facilities should be informed by a desire to create a place where life happens instead of a place where life waits for an ending. And then they look to the older people living there to govern the places where they live to create communities that thrive. They disprove the idea that providing medicines and treatment to low income communities isn’t profitable. They believe that quality of life is a fundamental human right. And they find sustainable solutions that enable all of us to share their belief.

US Fellows in the Field of Health:

• George Askew - Docs for Tots
• Sanjeev Arora - Project ECHO
• Barry Barkan - Elders Guild
• Bruce Bloom - Partnership for Cures
• David Erickson - Samaritan Inns
  
• David Green - Project Impact
• Victoria Hale - Institute for OneWorld Health
  
• Kathryn Hall-Trujillo - Birthing Project USA
  
• Joe Marshall - Street Soldiers/Omega Boys Clubs
• Rebecca Onie - Project HEALTH
• Jeff Palmer - Coordinated Care Network
• Connie Siskowski - American Association of Caregiving Youth
• Bill Thomas - The Eden Alternative