Dear Editor:

In 1946, Dr. Charles E. Holzer Jr., with his family, returned to Gallipolis to practice surgery with his father, Dr. Charles E. Holzer Sr., and the three doctors who were his associates at the hospital built during the World War I period.

In 1949, the Holzers gave that hospital to the people of this area, to be administered by a board of trustees representing Gallia County, and surrounding counties in Ohio and Mason County in West Virginia. In 1968, the Gallipolis Clinic merged with the hospital and a new Holzer Medical Center was built. There are now over 100 physicians and innumerable medical specialists in all fields of service.

In spite of all this progress, there are hundreds of hard-working, contributing, caring, wonderful people who have no insurance and cannot afford today's care. It was for all of us that the Holzers began this medical odyssey and gave their gift of caring. We need today to read, listen, discuss and find solutions that enable us to get the best of medical care.

There will be a meeting (a non-partisan meeting) discussing the problem at Grace United Methodist Church dining hall, 600 Second Ave., on Monday, April 16 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Our own native son, Dr. David K. Smith, and Dr. Johnathan Ross of Toledo, will be the speakers. The least any of us in this area can do is to attend and listen.

Bobbie Holzer

(Mrs. Charles E. Holzer Jr.)

Gallipolis