Two, count ‘em, two parties
We’re having two letter-writing parties tomorrow — one at the Unitarian-Universalist Church from 11 to noon and one at the Ethical Culture Society of Asheville at 3 to 4.
I’m excited about this because it gives people a chance to write and tell their legislators that they want reform AND tell them what they think is the best way to go about it.
We don’t tell anyone what to write, nor do we read the letters. We just want people to participate in this democracy before it’s too late to make a difference.
I also get to tell people not to close their minds to any solution. I know what I think will work best (unadulterated, un-watered-down public plan) but I won’t assume it’s the only way.
However, I will keep pushing for meaningful reform until every American has access to decent health care. My benchmark is whether it would have gotten Mike the help he needed when he needed it.
The doctors who neglected him and turned him away deserve to be disciplined, but that hasn’t happened because not treating him — not even telling him he had a life-threatening problem (a fully blocked colon) so he could seek treatment somewhere a little more compassionate, isn’t against the law. Apparently, it wasn’t even against ethical codes at Memorial Health System in Savannah.
I am VERY passionate about getting it done, though. So, use the tool on the main page of this site and write to your legislators. Tell them enough people have died.
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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