Senator David Thomas represents people in one area of the state where the uranium is at it's worse. The senator stated that funds from grant money obtained partly from the Tobacco Settlement, Governor Hodges' delegated funds and state grant money will be used for installing water lines to the approximately 80 homes in the worst areas. The remainder of the funds will be used for research to find out how extensive, and how wide spread the uranium is. Especially the upstate where patients have to wait up to 6 months for a routine office visit. Hospitals in the lowcountry also report having 3 to 5 physicians for an entire hospital.
Experts predict the shortage to worsen, especially in specialty areas.
Some suggest the state begin and incentive program to give medical students from South Carolina a good reason to stay here. The State Government promises to block loads of plutonium from coming into the state for storage here. The Federal Government says the plutonium will stay and the governor will lose. 2001 has been designated the Year of the Child in South Carolina. The program is paying tribute to people who help kids.