" In the current health care system, when a person is sick enough, he or she relies on residential facility. The focus is on technology-obsessed, hospital-based care rather than on prevention. There is general intolerance of alternative healing methods. Conventional health care tries to conquer death, ignores the community, blames the victim (thereby excusing society), encourages patients to be passive and dependent, and is oblivious to the environment.

A more effective approach to health care, by contrast, would base care in local health centers and programs, use technology as supportive therapy when necessary, focus on prevention, and support both alternative and conventional healing methods. It would accept death when it is inevitable, value quality of life, use community development approaches, protect the "victim," promote self-care, and be environmentally sensitive " -- Patch Adams

A Different Approach