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 sense that he’s trying to do what’s right and he does vote his conscience.
But the last time we talked, I was a reporter asking a congressman about his action on health care. He talked about care for children and care for the elderly, and how he has worked to expand both. Afterward, as we were chatting, I told him nothing he said would have saved my son’s life. He was shocked, and he offered to talk more to me.
That’s what led to today’s meeting. I brought a photo of Mike and told him that was my visual. I told him about Mike’s horrible care and how much more expensive it was than it would have been if he’d had access to care. He was appalled at the care Mike got, and at first seemed to deny that this is common for people who don’t have insurance.
He talked about the orange bus that big Pharma drags around the country. I told him it’s just a dog-and-pony show to convince Americans that the drug companies shouldn’t be regulated.
“But when they were here, I saw 60 people get help,” he said.
“And the other 60 million who need help? A lot of them get sicker and a lot of them die,” I said.
We talked about what I think would be ideal and how I know that won’t happen, so I asked him what he will support and vote for. He has signed onto the Obama plan. That’s good news to me.
Carolyn talked about having had breast cancer two years ago and knowing her insurance is about to run out. She and Craig have paid for COBRA for 16 months, and it’s about to expire. She has two young children, and she worries every day that they’ll have to grow up without her, especially if she can’t get health coverage. She has run through her savings, and she can’t afford a hefty premium. No one should have to worry like that.
We talked about how the emergency room is not access to the health care system. We talked about disease prevention and chronic illness management, and that’s where he thinks the system needs the most work. If we can prevent illness or catch it early, it costs a lot less — both in dollars and in human suffering.
I think Heath Shuler is pretty much with us, but I plan to keep on him to make sure he understands — really understands — what’s at stake.
Tags: Patient Pals & Family Friends
Life o' Mike has a peer support program for people with one or more serious or chronic medical issues or disabilities.
We aim to reduce isolation and fear among people who have conditions, including psychiatric illness, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, mild dementia or other cognitive disorder or disability, thereby reducing depression and complications as people learn to improve self-management of their medical conditions.
Patient Pals help alleviate feelings of isolation and frustration. They can help people develop a list of questions to ask the doctor and then accompany the person to the doctor to make sure all the questions are answered, taking notes to be sure the person understands the doctor’s answers.
Our trained volunteers also accompany their “Pals” to art exhibits, movies and walks outdoors, meet for coffee, call to check in and more.
Our Pals have experienced weight loss, improvement in diabetes, HIV, psoriasis, depression and more, just because they have someone who cares about them. Some relationships develop into longer-term friendships; other Pals move on to more independent lives.
Family Friends are there to help caregivers and other family members grow into their new role.
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.
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