Opening doors to the needy. An archdiocese coordinates a physician referral network

The availability and accessibility of healthcare to those unable to pay is deteriorating rapidly. One place this is clearly apparent is in our nation's capital, where extremes of poverty and wealth abound. In an effort to improve access to healthcare for the poor, homeless, and medically indigent in the Washington, DC, area, the Washington Archdiocese Health Care Network (AHCN) was formed in 1984 under the leadership of Card. James A. Hickey. The AHCN is a coordinating agency that refers people in need to physicians, physical therapy and rehabilitation services, and dentists who have agreed to volunteer their services to this vulnerable population. The formation, operation, and continuation of the AHCN are performed by five members of one steering committee on behalf of the hundreds of volunteers who make it work daily.