Health Care For All
Things are getting worse
An Associated Press story today said the nationn’s fragile health care safety net is unraveling. Like I wasn’t expecting that.With more people unemployed and more people in financial trouble, fewer people are ale to pay for care. One survey of 1,200 doctors found that 88 percent of them have treated patients that had been turned down elsewhere.
Another study published by Families USA found that 87 million Americans have been without health insurance in the last year. It’s not just the 47 million now. And in May, when the new figures come out, it’s going to be even worse.
There isn’t enough charity care to go around anymore This is scary for a whole lot more people.
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.
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