General Wesley Clark visited workers on the front lines of America's health care system Monday to discuss the challenges they face in events leading up to the introduction of his health care policy Tuesday.

Clark told the audience of health care workers and members of the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees union members that America needs leadership that gets things done and makes the right choices to get America's health care system back on track.

"In the army, we had annual physicals, cholesterol screenings, and routine check-ups," Clark said. "The Army recognized that early diagnosis and prevention save lives. We need new leadership that will make prevention a priority."

Clark cited some startling statistics about the failure of the American health care system. Four million Americans have joined the ranks of the uninsured since 2000, leaving a total of 44 million people without health coverage in this country. Approximately 8.5 million American children lack health care coverage. Studies show that approximately 18,000 Americans die every year because they lack health insurance.

"This is wrong," Clark said. "We must make sure that the most vulnerable in society have the support they need."

The forum was part of 'Conversations with Clark,' a series of town hall style meeting where Clark listens to voters' concerns and shares his vision of a New American Patriotism, a commitment to respecting our citizens while encouraging high expectations for our country's future.

Clark credited his 34 years in the military for his leadership ability.

"I am not a career politician but someone who believes you must set goals and objectives and put a plan in place to reach those goals," Clark said. "In the Army, I had to make decisions every day about the welfare, safety and security of those who served with me. You couldn't pass the buck - you had to get the job done. No delays. No excuses. No apologies."

Clark will introduce his complete health care policy Tuesday in Durham, New Hampshire in the third of four major policy addresses in his New American Patriotism tour.