We’re not there yet
The Senate finally managed to squeak through a deeply flawed bill this morning, and I will admit it does accomplish some reform, but not enough.
I’m eager to see what happens in conference as the House and Senate bills are forged into one. The main issue is an alternative to insurance companies; something to make them a little more honest and keep them that way. Only a little less important is a provision to allow people to re-import medications from Canada.
Americans pay more for prescription drugs than any other country because Big Pharma has convinced the government that it can’t afford to develop new lifesaving drugs if it doesn’t make obscene profits. Other countries regulate prices, and we either need to do the same or allow people to fill prescriptions in Canada.
But now, as Americans celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, the Winter Solstice and New Year’s, we have something to be a little happier about. Let’s hope the trend continues.
May your holiday season be joyous and your new year blessed.
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.
Post a comment