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Amy Roberts: Insurance — It’s no laughing matter

Amy Roberts, Park Record columnist

It’s been kind of a depressing few weeks. The news out of Gaza, Iraq and Syria is heartbreaking and declaring war in the Middle East seems imminent. It’s not much better stateside, where there have been shocking and violent riots in Missouri and now a pretty devastating earthquake in California. Even here locally, where we tend to live in a blissful bubble, in our idyllic little town far removed from wars, racism, and natural disasters, we have our own little crisis going on. Two of our biggest tourist attractions are battling it out and it seems more likely than not, one of them won’t be welcoming guests this winter.

Granted, when you compare that to what’s happening around the globe, it’s fair to follow it with #firstworldproblems.

Still though, there’s just not much to laugh about right now. But the People’s Health Clinic plans to change that this coming weekend as they host their 4th annual Healthy Laughs fundraiser at the Montage Deer Valley.

"Our goal with Healthy Laughs is to present an evening that delivers a lot of laughter and fun to the community, while sharing our mission to provide quality health care to the uninsured that live in Summit and Wasatch Counties," notes the clinic’s director, Nann Worel.

Nann added that 100 percent of the ticket sales will help the People’s Health Clinic provide a variety of services such as primary care, pediatrics, prenatal care and education, women’s health, dental, vision, mental health, and chronic illness care.

"One of the biggest misconceptions out there with the implementation of the Affordable Care Act is that there will no longer be a need for nonprofit health care clinics. That simply is not true. Many of our patients have incomes far below the federal poverty level, or they suffer other hardships, and are exempt from the health insurance requirement. The People’s Health Clinic continues to remain a safety net clinic for them," Nann explained.

So while the uninsured struggling to pay their bills and stay healthy is no laughing matter, the People’s Health Clinic hopes you’ll have a great deal of fun on Sunday night. Two big-name comedians out of L.A. are donating their talents in support of the fundraiser.

The first is Mark Eddie, who offers a musician’s view on everything from pop culture to parenting. He’s known for his singing impressions, satirical spin on music and a "rock comedy" performance you won’t hear anywhere else.

The second headliner is Greg Hahn, who promises he’ll be "absurdly energetic" and "immediate pandemonium" is nearly a guarantee.

"We’re so fortunate that David Williams, a member of our Board of Trustees, retired from his law practice to pursue his dream of performing comedy. When approached about organizing this event David jumped at the chance and every year he secures the talent and emcees the evening," said Nann. "His connections allow us to bring in hysterical, high-energy nationally recognized comics like Greg and Mark. These gentlemen entertain all over the country but take time out of their busy schedules to perform for a cause they believe in."

Healthy Laughs is in its fourth year and has always sold out, proving if nothing else, we all need a little comedic escape once in a while. It takes place this Sunday at 8 p.m. at Montage Deer Valley. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased online at: http://www.PeoplesHealthClinic.org.

Amy Roberts is a longtime Park City resident, freelance writer and the proud owner of two ill-behaved rescue dogs, Boston and Stanley.

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