New Book About Public Hospitals, A SPIRIT OF CHARITY is Released

ATLANTA, June 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ Public hospitals are often viewed as refuges of last resort for poor and uninsured people, especially among minorities in the South. But these iconic institutions are a key to understanding the evolution of America's $3 trillion health care system, not just for the poor, but the affluent as well, argues veteran journalist Mike King in his new book A Spirit of Charity: Restoring the Bond between America and Its Public Hospitals.

Through an examination of their unique history, A Spirit of Charity reveals the remarkable story of why public hospitals matter and why they should play a more prominent role in public policy discussions. The book focuses on Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, but also discusses well-known public hospitals in Chicago, Dallas, Miami, and New Orleans.

Noted medical ethicist Arthur Caplan of NYU in the book's foreword concludes that, "you can not read this book without feeling the baleful presence of race on every page."

And Clarion Reviews, in a 5-star review, said: "This fascinating work of medical history is refreshing and notable for its treatment of race as a critical part of the healthcare debate."

Otis W. Brawley, MD, chief medical officer for the American Cancer Society, calls the book "required reading for policy makers and health advocates alike."

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and historian Hank Klibanoff said the book shows "that medical excellence resides where few people expect to find it and how those centers are threatened by misplaced public priorities and political mythologies."

Kirkus Reviews said: "Carefully documented, journalistically crafted, and artfully told, this account illuminates the myriad struggles of public hospitals to effectively treat the indigent."

King is a former Washington correspondent and medical reporter at The Courier-Journal in Louisville, Kentucky and science editor and columnist for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. His book grew out of editorials and columns he wrote for the AJC in 2007-2008 as part of its "Saving Grady" campaign. King blogs at http://commentonhealth.com/.

ABOUT THE BOOK: Published May 31, 2016 by Secant Publishing, Salisbury, MD. ISBN: 978-1-944962-06-7 (hardcover); $26.95; e-book $9.99. Available in Atlanta at A Cappella Books and nationally from Ingram, Baker & Taylor, Seattle Book Company, and Amazon. See http://amzn.to/1UgOWHi.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160601/374564

SOURCE Secant Publishing

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