Midland Reporter-Telegram, May 6, 2007 MIDLAND -- With the ever-present shortage of doctors and nurses and the growing number of uninsured in the Permian Basin, the Midland Chamber of Commerce's medical affairs committee is tackling issues from recruitment to possible modes of coverage. Because of the oil boom, many businesses are facing labor shortages, Midland Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer John Breier said. Neurologist Dr. Lawrence Buxton said allied health, speech, physical and occupational therapists are among the needs being faced by local hospitals. The Midland Chamber is focusing on the 3-Share program to provide coverage to working people and companies that have historically not been able to offer it. The plan is paid for by the employee, the business he or she works for and government funds. John Breier's wife, Barbara, executive vice president of UT Galveston Medical Branch and director of the UTMB Center to Eliminate Health Disparity, has been working on implementing 3-Share in Galveston County. Enabling legislation for the 3-Share insurance program is making its way through the Legislature. "We believe it is going to come out and become part of a total health care package," Breier said. "Within the next two weeks, we'll know how that will come out."