Few aspects of everyday life have changed as dramatically over the past 150 years as health care. In 1860, Benton County had a population of just over 9 thousand, which was served by 15 physicians. Most medical care was provided in the home by family members and neighbors. The cost of health care was minimal and medical insurance was yet to come. There were no antibiotics and few vaccines. Diseases such as typhoid fever, yellow fever, diphtheria, and tuberculosis were widespread and their causes were poorly understood.
Today, Benton County has a population of over 170 thousand, served by over 100 physicians, many of them specialists. The problem is not so much a lack of doctors and hospitals as it is the cost of care, especially for those with no health insurance. New threats such as West Nile and Bird Flu have emerged. Even old killers such as influenza still pose a threat unless the right vaccine can be prepared in sufficient quantities to protect the population.
Today, Benton County has a population of over 170 thousand, served by over 100 physicians, many of them specialists. The problem is not so much a lack of doctors and hospitals as it is the cost of care, especially for those with no health insurance. New threats such as West Nile and Bird Flu have emerged. Even old killers such as influenza still pose a threat unless the right vaccine can be prepared in sufficient quantities to protect the population.
