Dr. Harry Thompson said that it should be the problem of the Society to point out that this is a necessity from a health standpoint, to lay the groundwork and get our motives established. Speak of the crowding and what the situation is, and what we propose to do about it. He thought the Society has gone along as far as possible, and that the Society has to point out the health means. Dr. Hugh Thompson stated that he could remember Homer Boyd saying two years ago that he could not get a bond issue without advance publicity, but that it never got into print. He felt it would be wonderful if the Society could get this publicity at the County Hospital before the public. Dr. Harry Thompson said that he remembered that Dr. Hugh Thompson had held out for this at the time, and that he believed that he had been right. Dr. Rudolph inquired if the Society would authorize the hiring of a writer for a few articles? Dr. Beaton said that Mr. Roger O'Mara is a dependable person. Dr. Harry Thompson felt Mr. Boyd should be told that the situation has reached an impasse and that we are going ahead with our publicity. Dr. Lewis inquired if this would mean go ahead as a city-county program. Dr. Steen stated that the County Hospital must be kept as a separate unit, that this situation is dynamite. Dr. Rudolph said that Mr. Boyd's idea seems to be that he would get more support because the tax payer's money would not be spent twice. Dr. Harry Thompson suggested that he thought it might be worthwhile to think about appointing a Society Committee to work with the County Building Committee with this in mind. Dr. Rudolph said that he had had a long talk with Dr. Sanger and he had said he would not call a meeting of the Building Committee until he knows what is being done. Dr. Harry Thompson suggested getting the Directors at Medical Center and key men together and laying the matter on the boards; forming a regularly appointed committee from the County Hospital. Dr. Hayden queried if anybody had considered turning the County Hospital back to being used just for chronic cases. Dr. Hastings suggested considering County wings at each hospital, which would cut down all auxiliary services, teaching, etc. Dr. Manning said that it had been suggested having County for convalescents, but that this is not practical. Dr. Harry Thompson felt that the main thing is not to confuse the issue, that a County Hospital is needed and that the Medical Center must be handled. Dr. Beaton said that the job of this committee should be to outline a definitive program. Dr. Rudolph appointed as a building committee, Dr. Hugh Thompson, Dr. Stuart Sanger, and Dr. R.E. Hastings. Dr. Hugh Thompson said that if there is a small steering committee, they could bring it back to this committee. He called attention to what Phoenix is doing; that they have the Alameda Plan and a monthly bulletin which is good, a bureau of medical economics which 73% of the doctors have joined, and have made quite a start in public relations. He thought Pima County would do well to watch their progress and talk to the fellows when in Phoenix, and see how they feel about it. Dr. Harry Thompson remarked that their dues in Phoenix, now, are $170.00 per year; that they estimate they may net $2100, exclusive of their paid secretary.
Dr. Rudolph spoke of Mr. Bill Wisdom's plan about insurance without examination, and that he had authorized giving him names and ages of members. Dr. Steen felt that such an opportunity should also be given other insurance men, if they wish to make bids.
Dr. Littlefield reported on Civilian Defense plans, which report is to be referred to the Committee on Civilian Defense. Dr. Beaton inquired what provision had been made by this committee to handle panic. Dr. Littlefield replied that there were not enough of men in categories like Dr. Beaton and the pathologists to assign to groups. Dr. Beaton said that his point is that there is a plan to clear enormous numbers of psychiatric problems.
