Health care reform will help train more doctors

I applaud the attention that Dr. Michael Johns and Dr. Edward Miller are bringing to the health care work force challenges as health care reform legislation draws closer to passage ("Prescription: more doctors," Jan. 1). I share their concerns about shortages of health professionals and have worked hard to include provisions in the House health care bill that will help alleviate these problems.

If we are to successfully reform our health care system, we must create a fiscally sustainable, integrated workforce that will take into account national trends, as well as state or regional factors. An adequate and properly organized workforce is critical to supporting a high-quality health care delivery system. Currently, there are no clear policies guiding federal, state and local investments in the health work force.

That's why I introduced the Health Care Work Force Incentive Act of 2009 (H.R. 2930), which seeks to align the health care work force with patient needs and would establish a National Health Care Work Force Advisory Board, a National Center for Work Force Data and Analysis and provide resources for state and regional health work force councils.

Elements of this proposal were included in the House-passed health care reform bill (H.R. 3962), along with provisions that would strengthen existing scholarship, loan repayment and training grant programs for primary care, nursing and public health professionals.

I will continue to focus on these issues, because a well-trained health care work force is the key to success, not only for health care reform but also for our economic recovery.

U.S. Rep. John Sarbanes, BaltimoreThe writer is a Democrat representing Maryland's 3rd District.

Police should try pedal patrols

Baltimore Police Commissioner Frederick H. Bealefeld III is to be applauded for his efforts to make officers more accessible to citizens by taking them out of their cars ("City putting police back on foot patrol," Jan. 7). However, foot patrol is not the only alternative. Police officers on bikes can patrol more territory and respond more quickly than officers on foot. They can also move easily through congested areas and access alleys, parks, trails and other areas off-limits to cars. They can be swift and silent, approaching crimes in progress virtually unnoticed, often from unexpected directions and locations.

Additionally, police on bikes can engage youth, generate positive community relationships and serve as role models. They can be integrated into a wide range of operations, including community-oriented and problem-oriented policing, targeted enforcement, surveillance, public order and drug interdiction. Finally, bicycles are cost-effective and environmentally friendly and promote officer fitness.

Baltimore has many neighborhoods and business districts beyond the Inner Harbor that would benefit greatly from the approachability, versatility and mobility of bike officers. Commissioner Bealefeld is encouraged to fully explore the potential of bicycle patrols in his efforts to garner community support and enhance neighborhood safety. Allocating a portion of the $10 million federal grant to equipment and training for bike patrols would be a worthwhile investment.

Maureen Becker, BaltimoreThe writer is president of the International Police Mountain Bike Association.

Robertson offends again

Pat Robertson's recent claim that the Haitian earthquake is punishment from God is not a fluke. It is, instead, part of a long string of mean-spirited, narrow-minded drivel from Mr. Robertson.

I believe in a supreme being. I also believe that Mr. Robertson gives him a bad name.

Denny Olver, Baltimore