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Americana: Presented by David Willis in Washington, DC.

As American politicians debate healthcare reform in Washington DC, Americana hears from a few people in Baltimore who feel left out in the cold.

After a week of pure political threatre, David Willis heads to the briefing room of the White House's West Wing. Political analyst Marc Ambinder shares an insider's view of how the big decisions are made and declared to the world.

From Texas - writer Mary Karr discusses her personal journey from health to alcoholism and back again.

And we've a view of the United States from Cuba, courtesy of an interloper called Matt Frei.

Finally, Washington's elite haven't yet found a cure for America's healthcare problems, but throughout time they've found ways to cure their personal ailments. David Willis visits the neighbourhood apothecary to learn the remedies sought out by George Washington, Abe Lincoln and others.

Our email is "americana@bbc.co.uk" and for a daily dose you can follow us on Twitter #bbcamericana.