Alva Review-Courier -

It has been said that the true test of a civilization is how it treats it most vulnerable members. By that measure, Oklahoma does not score highly.

Chronic under-investment in our health care system has left the state's skilled nursing facilities, which care for the vulnerable, elderly and very sick, with some of the lowest funding rates in the nation. Over $92 million in annual cuts have forced more than 100 (roughly one-quarter) of Oklahoma nursing facilities to close their doors in the past 10 years. The profession has long been facing a rolling crisis, as lack of funds make it difficult to...