T.R. Reid, author, correspondent and reporter for National Public Radio and PBS, will deliver the keynote address for the Alworth Institute's memorial lecture and 25th anniversary. The lecture will also kick off the Alworth Institute's year-long series on comparative health care systems.
Reid's lecture will present findings from his New York Times bestselling book "The Healing of America: A Global Quest for Better, Cheaper and Fairer Health Care." Reid traveled extensively around the world and was surprised to experience firsthand how other industrialized democracies provided comprehensive, affordable health care to their citizens -- something he felt the United States did not do. Reid launched an investigation into the health care systems of developed countries that carried out major health care reform, and that provide universal coverage with private doctors, private hospitals, and private insurance. Reid will share highlights of his research and elaborate on his belief that affordable health care for all is a human right.
Cindy Christian, director of the Alworth Institute, said that "T.R. Reid was selected because his book "The Healing of America" is comprehensive and yet accessible to people outside the health care industry. Comparative health care is a complex issue. T.R. Reid presents the information in a way that people understand." Christian added, "The Alworth Institute feels that health care is a timely topic, given the passage and subsequent implementation of President Obama's Affordable Health Care Act."
Reid's lecture begins at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 26 at Bohannon Hall 90, 1207 Ordean Court on the campus of the University of Minnesota Duluth. Q&A, a book signing and reception will follow.
