Last night’s 60 Minutes was a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of it all: “It’s the next thing in the recession: communities cutting back on services like schools or cops or public hospitals because tax revenues have fallen with the economy.”

In this story, it’s Las Vegas cancer patients who can no longer receive life-giving therapies from University Medical Center (UMC), a safety net for two million people that, due to state budget cuts, closed its outpatient clinic for chemotherapy.

As UMC CEO Kathy Silver explains, “Obviously, our gaming and tourism is tanking. The construction industry has been decimated. And all of those things cause big, gaping holes in the state budget. The hardest-hit area for us was the Medicaid budget.” While Las Vegas is experiencing its biggest downturn ever, the crisis is being felt by all cities, says Silver. “I think this is happening, to some degree, to probably every public hospital across the country. I think it’s happening to us to a greater degree because…we’re sort of the epicenter of what’s happening. We’re a demonstration project…of all the things that can go wrong at once.”

I remember reading a year ago about cuts to a small but vital resource in Portland, Maine, which helped that city’s growing number of Somali immigrants learn essentials like how to read a bus schedule and how to cook using an indoor gas stove, as well as more commonly considered guidance on local education, health and job programs. It was likely a $15K save to the budget, but the impact of helping new citizens regain a sense of belonging and control was invaluable (and, now missing, is likely showing up in all sorts of ways the city and its people are paying for many times over).

Back in Las Vegas, Dr. Nick Spiritos, who worked at UMC’s now-closed women’s clinic, continues to provide treatment to displaced cancer patients through his own upgraded facility, which he financed. Patients pay only if (and what) they can afford to; Dr. Spiritos and his partners cover the rest.

As the Nevada state legislature considers a proposal that would cut millions more from the UMC budget, public comments on the 60 Minutes site voice ideas, frustration, anger, and offers of support:

“One way many people can help out these patients is by simply coming back to Las Vegas (so that) more revenue from casinos is pumped back into our state budget.” … “Can you tell me how I can help the woman who does not have any insurance?” … “If we all encouraged everyone we know to send $1.00 to Dr. Spiritos foundation, imagine the help that could be done.” … “Considering its wealth, Nevada is already one of the worst states for funding education, mental health, and drug treatment. Tourists from around the world should consider boycotting Las Vegas and the casinos here until this city and state helps its people.” … “How do I get a hold of Roy Scales (profiled in the story)? He helped (me) through some of the most difficult days of my life…When he was in Pittsburgh about 14 years ago we were both down on our luck.”

There is something we can do, not just to ameliorate the impact of the current crisis but also to avoid another one. Remember that what we’re seeing and what we’re not seeing – all of it and all of us – we’re all connected. And, be there for each other.