Archive for February, 2009
Rock on!
Our Rock for Health Care concert went really well Saturday night. I loved all the bands — from the quiet ballads and folk songs of Wayne Robbins to the mesmerizing guitar work and vocals of Night’s Bright Colors, the way-cool rockabilly sound of The Humbuckers, the pounding beat of 37 Special and the upbeat fun [...]
Our talk with the congressman
Carolyn Comeau and I met with Rep. Heath Shuler today to talk about health care. Now, I’ve met the congressman a number of times and I like him personally, although I don’t always agree with him. But the times I’ve talked to him have been at public gatherings or as a reporter. I get the [...]
What about the grownups?
I attended a legislative-nonprofit forum this morning and one of the topics was health care. Naturally, the talk turned to children’s health care and how we need to increase coverage to families who make up to three times the national poverty level. I am not against this. In fact, I think it’s a great idea. [...]
Lost job, lost access to health care
A new study from Families USA shows that only one out of five low- and moderate-income workers who have lost their jobs has been able to maintain health coverage. Most don’t have COBRA protections, so they can’t even choose to continue their coverage. Those who are eligible for COBRA — well, it eats up an average [...]
Second annual Eat at Mike’s
Reserve now
Life o' Mike sponsors its second annual Eat at Mike's, an evening of good food prepared by local chefs, at Tingles Cafe in downtown Asheville. The event also features silent and live auctions with items from Highlands Brewing, artist Angela C. Alexander and more.
Tickets to the dinner are $25; $20 for children 3-12 and free for children under 3.
To reserve, e-mail lifeomike@gmail.com. For more information, call 828-243-6712.
Patient Pals & Family Friends
Life o' Mike has a new peer support program for people newly diagnosed with chronic or serious illness or with a new disability and their caregivers.
Patient Pals are people who have experience with various illnesses and disabilities, who can help someone newly diagnosed or with a new disability work through the fear, frustration, confusion and grief often experienced in the first few months.
Family Friends are there to help caregivers and other family members grow into their new role.
People with new illness or disability fare better when they have a role model -- someone who can help them negotiate their new path in life.
We need volunteers, who are asked to donate a minimum of one hour a week. Training is free and includes information on active listening, ways to help and when to know more help is needed.
And of course, we need funding.
To learn more, call Leslie Boyd at 828-243-6712 or e-mail lifeomike@gmail.com.