More bad news for people in need
Two large public health systems have announced that they no longer will provide dialysis to uninsured people who have end-stage kidney disease. (see the New York Times report at: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/08/health/policy/08dialysis.html)
What this means for patients is that they must go to the emergency room, which is much more expensuive. It also means they can’t have scheduled appointments; instead they have to wait their turn in the emergency room — which could take hours. Since dialysis usually must be performed three times a week, that makes it all but impossible for someone to hold a job, costing us taxpayers even more money.
We have billions to spend on wars and tax breaks and bailouts for huge corporations, but nothing for people who need lifesaving medical treatment. It’s stupid, short-sighted and cruel.
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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