From Angie Trail
“My daughter has a rash and other symptoms of German Measles. She had all her vaccinations but 80 percent of German Measles cases are people who have been immunized. She is 25, works 40 hours a week, but has no health insurance becaus she makes $10 an hour and barely gets by every month. She is a gymnastics instructor and coach which puts her in contact with about 100 kids every week. It also puts her in contact with women who might be pregnant.
“We are not concerned about the impact of German Measles on my daughter (it’s a fairly mild illness); we are concerned about the people she will come in contact with. So we called the Health Dept to see if we could get it confirmed. They can’t see somebody unless they are an existing client. They suggested ABCCM or the ER. I reminded them she didn’t have health insurance and couldn’t go to the ER.
“Then I called ABCCM. They can’t see her because of the risk German Measles would have for their pregnant patients. They suggested the ER. I reminded them she doesn’t have health insurance.
“I called Three Streams. They only see established patients. First appointment for new patients is at the end of October. They suggested the ER. I reminded them that she doesn’t have insurance.
“I then took her to WNCCHS. They only see established patients and you can only become a patient on Mondays and Wednesdays. It’s Thursday.
” They suggested Sisters of Mercy. I reminded them AGAIN that she doesn’t have insurance. They said sorry, but they can’t just open their doors to anyone who walks in. What is the purpose of a free community health clinic if they can’t open their doors to anyone who walks in???
“As you might guess, I am frustrated beyond belief. We have so many barriers to health care even in the organizations that are supposed to be providing services to those who can’t afford health insurance.
“Will it take an epedemic of the German Measles and a generation of deaf and blind babies for us to wake up?
“I don’t think people realize how broken our healthcare system is, but this is a perfect example.”
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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