410-2-2-.01. Introduction

(1) This section of the Alabama State Health Plan underscores certain health issues which warrant focused attention. These few issues have been selected for a variety of reasons, including: (a) Unusual severity in our state, e.g. infant mortality; (b) Special opportunities, e.g. The Medicaid Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) option; (c) Problems of access to health care, e.g. the issue of the uninsured and the vulnerability of rural hospitals. (2) When resources are limited and needs great, focused attention on the most pressing problems will promote optimal use of any new or additional investments. What follows is a review of the health issues and health concerns, which require priority emphasis in Alabama.