"Time for change, but not government-run health care"
Is the use of the word "socialism" enough, is that all it takes for you to fear change?
Is a national [government run] POSTAL SYSTEM, socialism? Is a national hurricane center socialism? Is a national education system, a national guard? Is the Coast Guard, socialism because it is a NATIONAL SOLUTION?
Merely because we work together doesn't make it inherently evil? We have city governments, county, state and national governments each to solve certain problems, by pooling resources, we solve big problems.
We decided that we would encourage workers to own homes, we decided on a national level that soldiers who served should have national help to attend college. Nationally we decided that the "free market" should be compelled to pay a MINIMUM WAGE. We decided that children shouldn't work. That children under 16 should attend schools. These were regarded by "conservative" opinion makers, as unnecessary interference in the "FREE MARKET".
Society benefited, from these advances. Medical care, guided strictly by a profit-making principle has gotten us to a place where company's have placed the costs of healthcare beyond the reach of many working Americans. Thoughtful progressive minded Americans have analyzed the problem and proposed a solution of that would diminish the significance of the profit motive.
The purpose of Health Care reform is to improve access to healthcare for all Americans. We have made a compact with our society to provide emergency care, why is a Healthy America such a cause of fear in so many. Is a healthy America where parents can get necessary medicine for their children or when grandma needs surgery, she can get it without Bankrupting her children, really a EVIL CONCEPT? Why does this frighten you? Why are you so fearful? Why is a system that enriches a few, while bankrupting thousands a better idea? Defend that ! Explain why Insurance Company CEOs making millions is a better idea, Explain that!
We work together to obtain clean water, we work together to educate our children, why can't we pool our resources, and make Americans healthier? I think a healthy America is a patriotic idea!
solidarity & peace
Rick Spisak
Friday, September 4, 2009
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
He has no time for YOU?
Senator Nelson
You have no time to advocate for health care for Americans? But, you have time to tour Asia? You have time to worry about snakes in the Everglades but no time to fight for health care?
Why have you not found the time to make access to health care a priority?
You have been involved in INSURANCE for decades, You were Florida's Insurance Commission for years! You know better than most, that the primary mission of the Insurance Industries isn't providing Access to Health Care - It's maximizing profits - You know this - You've known it for years. Think golden parachutes, and gem encrusted CEOs, long golfing trips extravagant bonuses, CEOs who regularly take home millions of dollars, that should be providing health care access to millions?
You, Senator are our employee, we provide you and yours with health care? Your wife will not be refused care, because she has a pre-existing condition. Other Americans will!
Why should any American be refused care, or forced to pay budget busting fees or be driven to bankruptcy, or simply be callously be turned away in time of need.
You have said, when you bothered to share your perspective. "Maybe we can cut duplicative care?" Cutting care? Are you serious? That will improve access? You will find the truth in your heart? Where will we find a Senator, who will put our interests ahead of lobbyists?
When will your advocacy begin for your constituents?
You have no time to advocate for health care for Americans? But, you have time to tour Asia? You have time to worry about snakes in the Everglades but no time to fight for health care?
Why have you not found the time to make access to health care a priority?
You have been involved in INSURANCE for decades, You were Florida's Insurance Commission for years! You know better than most, that the primary mission of the Insurance Industries isn't providing Access to Health Care - It's maximizing profits - You know this - You've known it for years. Think golden parachutes, and gem encrusted CEOs, long golfing trips extravagant bonuses, CEOs who regularly take home millions of dollars, that should be providing health care access to millions?
You, Senator are our employee, we provide you and yours with health care? Your wife will not be refused care, because she has a pre-existing condition. Other Americans will!
Why should any American be refused care, or forced to pay budget busting fees or be driven to bankruptcy, or simply be callously be turned away in time of need.
You have said, when you bothered to share your perspective. "Maybe we can cut duplicative care?" Cutting care? Are you serious? That will improve access? You will find the truth in your heart? Where will we find a Senator, who will put our interests ahead of lobbyists?
When will your advocacy begin for your constituents?
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Health Care Town Hall at the foot of the Palm City bridge
| "I agree that I will listen and speak when called upon. I agree that the only way a civil discussion can occur is if participants agree to be respectful of all speakers, I agree or not I will join in the civil discussion." |
| I greeted each attendee with a question. Would you like to speak tonight? I'm requesting each participant sign this agreement for civility. I believe it encouraged participants and audience members alike to behave civilly. After the guests signed I offered them a speaker's card. I had made up speakers cards, and had planned to allot 3 minutes to each speaker. And allowing for opening comments and some time for announcements that would be close to the 2 hours, for which we'd rented the room. Over fifty people attended our town hall meeting and of everyone I asked I only had two refuse to sign, One gentleman ANGRILY denounced me for insulting him in such a manner. Asking him to be civil - what gall! [REAL GALL MEDICAL INSURANCE SALARIES] I tried to explain that while most people would behave no other way, with tempers what they have been, recently some people need added reassurance that there would be no boorish behavior. One refuser, later did agree to sign so he could get a speaking part. He was an Iraq vet who ultimately did agreed that if anything happened we should certainly reform insurance. We had over 30 speakers during the evening including two strident supporters of single payer, a teenager with a personal tale and an octogenarian with European health care experience. Our town hall meeting came on the heels of a very strident town hall held at our local college. It was held at the behest of the local republican congressman. Who is happy it would seem to betray his own constituents for the Insurance blood money that will surely come his way. The audience was made up in equal parts, of independents, motivated democrats and energized republicans. We had a dedicated contingent of democratic activists and tea-bagger republicans outside with signs, trading perspectives in a mostly genial manner. The occasional intemperate exchange was the exception. I did from time to time need to urge restraint. The majority were people interested in listening to the presentations. Knowing that with tempers as high as they have been nationally, there was a chance that things could become difficult. I hoped that with the civility pledge and signature, and the speakers numbers to resolve who speaks next we had a shot to achieve a reasonable and polite discourse despite the press and the recent history that suggested that civil discussion was not possible. We heard passionate tales of health care denied people in need, we had doctors defending their institutions assuring us that no one was ever turned away. We heard from people who spoke of their profound distrust of the government. We had people complain that the Health care reform was not necessary, that it was being rushed through Congress at the behest of an untried president. Some spoke of their personal knowledge of failures of Canadian and European medical care. Others had nothing but praise for their experiences in Britain and Canada. We had people who spoke of the needs of the uninsured and the insured alike to live free of fear of cancellation and bankruptcy. Others spoke of self-induced medical problems, drugs, drink and diabetes, but when challenged that not all medical problems arose from irresponsible behavior the point was conceded, reluctantly but conceded. Some referred to the need for a personal responsibility. Despite a few cat calls, and a few amens from the energized audience we had an important exchange of opinion and actually shared perspectives across a great political divide, on a topic that is life an death for every American, born and yet unborn. Some people wondered why in this the greatest country, we have such an expensive healthcare system in which children die, when faceless insurance bureaucrats ration care, and children and elderly die. Our last speaker lifted a copy of the Constitution and pointed to the phrase"We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare," Thanks to everyone who made yesterday's Townhall meeting so successful. first I must congratulate my co-chairs Ms. Bonnie Becker and Ms. Amy Wexler, without whose support these activities could not have taken place. And the other members of our coalition who have added their support. Andrew, Edwin, Dave, Maria, Linda and more! Excellent article in the Stuart News. ================================================================================================================================ REGARDING CURRENT HEALTH CARE LEGISLATION ================================================================================================================================ The Healthcare Economist Analyzes the current proposals this way Are you in favor of reform of the health care system or not? This question is difficult to answer because few people know what reforms are actually being proposed. Do not worry, the Healthcare Economist is here to help. Currently, there are four major plans on the table:
] |
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Bill Moyers' Insurance Company Whistle-Blower
Do your self a favor, go to the Bill Moyers' website,
and watch the Episode with Insurance Company Whistle-Blower Mr. Potter
View The Moyers Show on Insurance Company Whistle-blower
The Potter interview on last nights journal and you comments, should serve as a warning, to any thinking American. I will make one small suggestion, the "for sale" sign graphic, that your staff, imposed upon the US Capitol dome should have read, not for sale, but sold.
You tied the same arrogance of the Washington Post recent gold-plated retailing of a Health-Care Legislative "Meet and Greet" faux paux and the impact on the tens of millions lavished via lobbyists on the Insurance Industry shills currently filling the people's seats in Congress.
Mr. Moyers, your adversarial position with Mr. Potter, forcing him to address again and again, the distance between, the gold-plated private plane travel world of the Insurance Industry Insider, and the "swap meet" medicine, he "discovered" in his native Tennessee hills.
Mr. Moyers, again you have done a great service, to the American people. Regrettably your program doesn't reach the same size audience, that viewed the widely publicized celebration of a pop singer. The numbers of uninsured which you characterized than larger than the entire population of Canada was a devastating indictment of the Medical-Insurance-Pharma Combine.
Let me draw a parallel, recently scientists have found that a sense of justice appears down the evolutionary ladder to the canine kingdom. Scientist have discovered that a sense of social fairness is understood by the lowly family dog. During repeated experiments performed with dogs, if two dogs undertaking identical behaviors, yet receive dissimilar rewards, the dogs understand the unfairness. ie. [one dog gets dry biscuits as a reward but for the same behavior, an adjacent dog gets steak] the dog which receives the poorer treat will cease performing, obviously understanding the inherent unfairness.
While dogs it seems can understand basic fairness, Insurance Company CEO showed while testifying, before Congress, showed a moral blindspot. They stated they will continue, with impunity, cut off customers, who have the temerity, to request services that they've paid for. Why is it that dogs can understand unfairness, yet Insurance Company CEOs do not comprehend.
So, American Health Care System suffers what for most people, a pre-existing condition of EXTREME GREED, in both the Insurance Companies, and among the Indentured Servants of Industry presently on a moral holiday in Congress. Americans must demand the KEYS BACK from those employees of the Insurance Companies, who presently fill seats in Congress.
Bill Moyers has again performed a remarkable service.
Richard W. Spisak Jr.
Co Chair, Citizen's Coalition on the Future of Health Care, in Martin County.
View The Moyers Show on Insurance Company Whistle-blower
and watch the Episode with Insurance Company Whistle-Blower Mr. Potter
View The Moyers Show on Insurance Company Whistle-blower
The Potter interview on last nights journal and you comments, should serve as a warning, to any thinking American. I will make one small suggestion, the "for sale" sign graphic, that your staff, imposed upon the US Capitol dome should have read, not for sale, but sold.
You tied the same arrogance of the Washington Post recent gold-plated retailing of a Health-Care Legislative "Meet and Greet" faux paux and the impact on the tens of millions lavished via lobbyists on the Insurance Industry shills currently filling the people's seats in Congress.
Mr. Moyers, your adversarial position with Mr. Potter, forcing him to address again and again, the distance between, the gold-plated private plane travel world of the Insurance Industry Insider, and the "swap meet" medicine, he "discovered" in his native Tennessee hills.
Mr. Moyers, again you have done a great service, to the American people. Regrettably your program doesn't reach the same size audience, that viewed the widely publicized celebration of a pop singer. The numbers of uninsured which you characterized than larger than the entire population of Canada was a devastating indictment of the Medical-Insurance-Pharma Combine.
Let me draw a parallel, recently scientists have found that a sense of justice appears down the evolutionary ladder to the canine kingdom. Scientist have discovered that a sense of social fairness is understood by the lowly family dog. During repeated experiments performed with dogs, if two dogs undertaking identical behaviors, yet receive dissimilar rewards, the dogs understand the unfairness. ie. [one dog gets dry biscuits as a reward but for the same behavior, an adjacent dog gets steak] the dog which receives the poorer treat will cease performing, obviously understanding the inherent unfairness.
While dogs it seems can understand basic fairness, Insurance Company CEO showed while testifying, before Congress, showed a moral blindspot. They stated they will continue, with impunity, cut off customers, who have the temerity, to request services that they've paid for. Why is it that dogs can understand unfairness, yet Insurance Company CEOs do not comprehend.
So, American Health Care System suffers what for most people, a pre-existing condition of EXTREME GREED, in both the Insurance Companies, and among the Indentured Servants of Industry presently on a moral holiday in Congress. Americans must demand the KEYS BACK from those employees of the Insurance Companies, who presently fill seats in Congress.
Bill Moyers has again performed a remarkable service.
Richard W. Spisak Jr.
Co Chair, Citizen's Coalition on the Future of Health Care, in Martin County.
View The Moyers Show on Insurance Company Whistle-blower
Monday, June 29, 2009
Where's the Leadership Senator Nelson?
Ms. Fritsch, [Nelson Staffer]
I am currently Co-Chair of the Citizens Commission for the Future of Health Care in Martin County. We had a recent meeting to discuss Senator Nelson's EMPHATIC SILENCE on the single payer option. He sat idly by, while advocates for a single payer option were forced from the hearings by Senator Baucus, who is a recipient of HUGE CAMPAIGN SUPPORT by the Insurance Industry. His actions on their behalf are completely comprehensive. He's a purchased agent.
We are very concerned that Senator Nelson, hasn't yet articulated his support for a public option in the Health Care debate.
I have listened to the Senate Finance Committee hearings and was deeply disappointed in the Senator's silence as the public option was driven from the Committee Hearing.
When the Senate turns a deaf ear, to the public call for an alternative to a system where terms like "OUT OF SERVICE AREA, and PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS are the norm, we are not being served.
When the Profits of Insurance Companies and the Stratospheric Blood Wages of CEOs is a higher priority than healing the sick and providing needed services, clearly the marketplace is not solving this problem.
Senator Nelson's extensive experience with the INSURANCE INDUSTRY says to me, he's more than familiar with the abuses endemic in the current PROFIT based system. How does taking premiums, without any responsibility for paying for services make these companies, good citizens. They are no better than the robber barons of tobacco and the fire-arms industry.
Senator, we need to hear your leadership voice, not your followership voice. Support a single payer option. Senator Baucus's poison pill which threatens to tax, the few remaining employers who do provide the thin veneer of insurance has done its job, of futher muddying the water.
Senator Nelson, support a single payer option, not just for the uninsured, but for the under-insured. Will medical care in this great country be the province only of the wealthy. Can America afford that? Remember phrases like "promote the general welfare". and Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I think you took an oath? If you or your family has no health, pursuing happiness and life, sir are indeed, OFF THE TABLE.
Senator, lets take the Insurance Company's GREED off the table.
Richard W. Spisak Jr.
I am currently Co-Chair of the Citizens Commission for the Future of Health Care in Martin County. We had a recent meeting to discuss Senator Nelson's EMPHATIC SILENCE on the single payer option. He sat idly by, while advocates for a single payer option were forced from the hearings by Senator Baucus, who is a recipient of HUGE CAMPAIGN SUPPORT by the Insurance Industry. His actions on their behalf are completely comprehensive. He's a purchased agent.
We are very concerned that Senator Nelson, hasn't yet articulated his support for a public option in the Health Care debate.
I have listened to the Senate Finance Committee hearings and was deeply disappointed in the Senator's silence as the public option was driven from the Committee Hearing.
When the Senate turns a deaf ear, to the public call for an alternative to a system where terms like "OUT OF SERVICE AREA, and PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS are the norm, we are not being served.
When the Profits of Insurance Companies and the Stratospheric Blood Wages of CEOs is a higher priority than healing the sick and providing needed services, clearly the marketplace is not solving this problem.
Senator Nelson's extensive experience with the INSURANCE INDUSTRY says to me, he's more than familiar with the abuses endemic in the current PROFIT based system. How does taking premiums, without any responsibility for paying for services make these companies, good citizens. They are no better than the robber barons of tobacco and the fire-arms industry.
Senator, we need to hear your leadership voice, not your followership voice. Support a single payer option. Senator Baucus's poison pill which threatens to tax, the few remaining employers who do provide the thin veneer of insurance has done its job, of futher muddying the water.
Senator Nelson, support a single payer option, not just for the uninsured, but for the under-insured. Will medical care in this great country be the province only of the wealthy. Can America afford that? Remember phrases like "promote the general welfare". and Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I think you took an oath? If you or your family has no health, pursuing happiness and life, sir are indeed, OFF THE TABLE.
Senator, lets take the Insurance Company's GREED off the table.
Richard W. Spisak Jr.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Progress Report
The Citizen's Commission on the Future of Health Care in Martin County.
During our first meeting with Children's Services and Martin County Community Services, we were told about an ongoing project to collect data on the current Health Care needs of Martin County's children. We were offered a tour of the project and information on how it is used. Lisa Olds, Executive Director of Martin County's Healthy Start Coalition, offered to arrange it.
After a few inquiries a meeting was scheduled with Alicia Hohsfield Senior WC Advisor, she would explain the project. However after this meeting was scheduled, I got a call from Nicole King. the Executive Director of the Whole Child Connection of Martin County. She proposed that we meet and she could provide me with an overview of the project. Initially I thought this would be a supplemental meeting, but it became clear that this conference would replace the meeting scheduled with Ms. Hohsfield. Ms. King, provided a brief history and the introduction to Martin County's Whole Child Project. www.wholechildmartin.com.
Ms King, explained that the system was launched in 2006. She also outlined her hopes that the system will eventually provide comprehensive information on the health care needs of Martin's children. The website, online since 2006 is slowly accumulating participants. We took a look at the online survey, that makes up the Whole Child Project (data input form) and I shared my perspective as a Web Marketing professional, familiar with the limitations inherent in gathering information online. Online forms collecting contact data for social services and commercial purposes share many of the same constraints. Issues of privacy and question fatigue limit participation. There is a direct proportion between length of a survey, and the number of participants willing to complete it.
NOTE: Registration in this program requires the completion of a comprehensive medical and financial questionnaire. [click here for sample screen captures]
One serious limitation the project suffers, is that they have no budget to promote wider participation. There is no ongoing promotional plan to encourage broader participation. Currently the user-base is quite narrow, and skewed toward economically disadvantaged populations. This makes it's data interesting but not yet as powerful as it might be due to the current limited enrollment.
It seems that since we share a mutual goal to understand the Medical Needs of Martin County we have a mutuality of interests. Maybe we can find a way to support the outreach campaign.
Ms. King and I also discussed some of the other Martin County Health Care facts that have come to our attention in the last few weeks. A few interesting facts; the Medicaid program is broken in Martin County.
I overheard two current Medicaid applicants* discussing their experiences trying to obtain health care through a system in which the "official" access list is so out of date, that no name on it, actually provides service. And the closest doctor still willing to undertake Medicaid services is in Palm Beach County. And he has a waiting list. Ms. King agreed to contribute an essay for the Health Care Guest Column Series planned for the Stuart News. She also had some suggestions for additional Health Care contacts who might also contribute.
Attending a meeting of the Martin County's Future Group**, and heard a presentation by the Firefighters Union, where I learned that Union Firefighters serving in Martin County actually "gave back" a scheduled salary increase last year so that Martin County could buy a new Firetruck and Ambulance. [despite which, Martin County still has no backup Ambulance].
NOTE: Another fact gleaned at that same Future Group meeting, during a recent two day period with one Ambulance out for repair, two regions had to share an ambulance. In addition until just recently, the Fire Rescue staff has been so low, that to attain even minimum state mandated staffing, extensive overtime was required of our Fire rescue personnel.
Updated 4/4/09
Rick Spisak
Co Chair
Citizen's Commission on the Future of Health Care in Martin County
*One of these Medicaid Applicants has agreed to write up their experience for our Health Care Column Series
** Next Meeting 4/16/09
During our first meeting with Children's Services and Martin County Community Services, we were told about an ongoing project to collect data on the current Health Care needs of Martin County's children. We were offered a tour of the project and information on how it is used. Lisa Olds, Executive Director of Martin County's Healthy Start Coalition, offered to arrange it.
After a few inquiries a meeting was scheduled with Alicia Hohsfield Senior WC Advisor, she would explain the project. However after this meeting was scheduled, I got a call from Nicole King. the Executive Director of the Whole Child Connection of Martin County. She proposed that we meet and she could provide me with an overview of the project. Initially I thought this would be a supplemental meeting, but it became clear that this conference would replace the meeting scheduled with Ms. Hohsfield. Ms. King, provided a brief history and the introduction to Martin County's Whole Child Project. www.wholechildmartin.com.
Ms King, explained that the system was launched in 2006. She also outlined her hopes that the system will eventually provide comprehensive information on the health care needs of Martin's children. The website, online since 2006 is slowly accumulating participants. We took a look at the online survey, that makes up the Whole Child Project (data input form) and I shared my perspective as a Web Marketing professional, familiar with the limitations inherent in gathering information online. Online forms collecting contact data for social services and commercial purposes share many of the same constraints. Issues of privacy and question fatigue limit participation. There is a direct proportion between length of a survey, and the number of participants willing to complete it.
NOTE: Registration in this program requires the completion of a comprehensive medical and financial questionnaire. [click here for sample screen captures]
One serious limitation the project suffers, is that they have no budget to promote wider participation. There is no ongoing promotional plan to encourage broader participation. Currently the user-base is quite narrow, and skewed toward economically disadvantaged populations. This makes it's data interesting but not yet as powerful as it might be due to the current limited enrollment.
It seems that since we share a mutual goal to understand the Medical Needs of Martin County we have a mutuality of interests. Maybe we can find a way to support the outreach campaign.
Ms. King and I also discussed some of the other Martin County Health Care facts that have come to our attention in the last few weeks. A few interesting facts; the Medicaid program is broken in Martin County.
I overheard two current Medicaid applicants* discussing their experiences trying to obtain health care through a system in which the "official" access list is so out of date, that no name on it, actually provides service. And the closest doctor still willing to undertake Medicaid services is in Palm Beach County. And he has a waiting list. Ms. King agreed to contribute an essay for the Health Care Guest Column Series planned for the Stuart News. She also had some suggestions for additional Health Care contacts who might also contribute.
Attending a meeting of the Martin County's Future Group**, and heard a presentation by the Firefighters Union, where I learned that Union Firefighters serving in Martin County actually "gave back" a scheduled salary increase last year so that Martin County could buy a new Firetruck and Ambulance. [despite which, Martin County still has no backup Ambulance].
NOTE: Another fact gleaned at that same Future Group meeting, during a recent two day period with one Ambulance out for repair, two regions had to share an ambulance. In addition until just recently, the Fire Rescue staff has been so low, that to attain even minimum state mandated staffing, extensive overtime was required of our Fire rescue personnel.
Updated 4/4/09
Rick Spisak
Co Chair
Citizen's Commission on the Future of Health Care in Martin County
*One of these Medicaid Applicants has agreed to write up their experience for our Health Care Column Series
** Next Meeting 4/16/09
Friday, March 13, 2009
Our first Health Care Meeting went very well
We met with three professionals very engaged in improving Health Care access in Martin County. Dave Heaton, Executive Director, Children's Services Council of Martin County, Cheryl Bass, Director of the Martin County Community Services Department, and Lisa Olds Executive Director Martin County Healthy Start Coalition.
Executive Director Heaton, our host. was very interested in our mission, (to raise public awareness of Health Care access issues in Martin County). He was a careful listener and when he spoke, always offered a suggestion or a contact that could be helpful. Often his suggestion would elicit even more information from Cheryl & Lisa. He also broached the subject of a study currently underway which had not yet completed it's public input component. We may very well be able to assist in generating additional public interest in the subject. This could provide a perfect opportunity for us to fulfill the need for a fuller public discussion of health care resource availability. If we can help support public input to an ongoing research project, our timing couldn't be better. This could provide a perfect avenue for our participation and would be helpful to the community at large.
They expressed an interest in our Diagram of the Public/Health Care matrix. It seems they'd recently created a very similar diagram. Ms. Bass Director of the Martin County Community Services Department brought a wonderful selection of documents for our review (They will become part of our Final Report) including a recent document (October '08) prepared for the Martin County Commission called Martin County Health Issues. Headings like 1. Access to Health Care, with sub headings (a) Health Insurance Coverage (b) Cultural Barriers to Health Care and Health Disparities, (c) Transportation, (d) Lack of Access to Health Care Providers, (e) Insufficient Capacity in the Health Care System, 2. Maternal and Child Health, 3. Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, 4. Substance Abuse, 5. Oral Health Care, 6. School Health, 7. Environmental Health.
The document summary included this powerful statement:
"... Government at all levels has a significant role in providing for and protecting the health of it's citizens. County government is no exception. Florida Statutes cite as the purpose and intent of county administration "... an adequate and efficient provision of services to the citizens in this state, that provides for coordinated administration of county departments to better protect the health, welfare, and safety, and quality of life of the residents..." The health, welfare, and safety, and quality of life of our residents are challenged on many levels. Without a sound economy, without decent jobs, families find themselves everyday unable to access medical care, unable to pay their rent or mortgage, unable to access dental care, eyeglasses, medications, mental health counseling and other "non-essential services". The increase in needs has hit every health and human service agency in the county. One need only look at the number of restaurants that have closed recently to know that the financial underpinnings of our county are crumbling. And with it, is a major threat to a diminishing of the health, safety, welfare and quality of life of our residents. ... [ed Emphasis Added]
The answers to complex issues such as housing and economic development, the environment and sustainability, are complex in and of themselves, by necessity. Health care approaches are also complex. But they cannot be ignored, if we are to protect the health of our citizens and the health of our community as a whole."
Director Bass also provided a report entitled 2008 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey. Another report she's offered was titled Problems in Paradise "The Peoples of Palm Beach & Martin County Speak Up" dated 2006. She also provided our commission the 2003 District 9 Health plan, which although somewhat dated does provide insight into not just the situation as understood in 2003, but also provides an opportunity to track the progress from the tactics developed for the issues of 2003 but how those approaches have fared half a decade later. We were also provided a copy of the 2004 Community Health Planning Initiative (subtitled a Report to the Community). And finally the 2002, Communities for a Lifetime, Elder Ready Initiative. The Commission will find these reports and studies a crucial resource as we prepare our analysis of the challenges facing the citizens of Martin County in the decade ahead.
We discussed our plan to create public forums for medical professionals to discuss the Health Care challenges from their perspective as well as the possibility for the public to discuss their perspectives on services and access issues they face. Director Heaton, suggested that the Futures Group might be interested in partnering with us to facilitate the public meetings. They are very active in creating public forums to improve the county. Executive Director Olds offered to put me in touch with the Futures Group. She also suggested that we participate in the "provider training" which could give us an idea of the data collection process that is currently underway to provide "REAL-TIME" Health Care utilization data in our county.
We talked about several of the widely recognized pinch points, in the Health Care system just a few of which are Mental Health, Elder care, Substance abuse, and of course the Gorilla in the room, the impact of the strains in the economy, which can only exacerbate access to already limited resources. This was an auspicious beginning to what should prove to be a good working relationship with just a few of the people who work every day to make Health Care accessible to the citizens of Martin County.
We left a few questions on the table, we hope to determine, the "standard" approximate fees for broken limbs, X-rays, MRIs and standard fees for childbirth (as an information resource). We want to raise these Health Care access issues so that as the budget discussions arise in Tallahassee, and Washington DC, there will be an informed debate which addresses current budgetary constraints and the real-impact of potential additional budgetary shortfalls.
RW Spisak Jr.
CoChair The Citizens Commission on the Future of Health Care in Martin County
Executive Director Heaton, our host. was very interested in our mission, (to raise public awareness of Health Care access issues in Martin County). He was a careful listener and when he spoke, always offered a suggestion or a contact that could be helpful. Often his suggestion would elicit even more information from Cheryl & Lisa. He also broached the subject of a study currently underway which had not yet completed it's public input component. We may very well be able to assist in generating additional public interest in the subject. This could provide a perfect opportunity for us to fulfill the need for a fuller public discussion of health care resource availability. If we can help support public input to an ongoing research project, our timing couldn't be better. This could provide a perfect avenue for our participation and would be helpful to the community at large.
They expressed an interest in our Diagram of the Public/Health Care matrix. It seems they'd recently created a very similar diagram. Ms. Bass Director of the Martin County Community Services Department brought a wonderful selection of documents for our review (They will become part of our Final Report) including a recent document (October '08) prepared for the Martin County Commission called Martin County Health Issues. Headings like 1. Access to Health Care, with sub headings (a) Health Insurance Coverage (b) Cultural Barriers to Health Care and Health Disparities, (c) Transportation, (d) Lack of Access to Health Care Providers, (e) Insufficient Capacity in the Health Care System, 2. Maternal and Child Health, 3. Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, 4. Substance Abuse, 5. Oral Health Care, 6. School Health, 7. Environmental Health.
The document summary included this powerful statement:
"... Government at all levels has a significant role in providing for and protecting the health of it's citizens. County government is no exception. Florida Statutes cite as the purpose and intent of county administration "... an adequate and efficient provision of services to the citizens in this state, that provides for coordinated administration of county departments to better protect the health, welfare, and safety, and quality of life of the residents..." The health, welfare, and safety, and quality of life of our residents are challenged on many levels. Without a sound economy, without decent jobs, families find themselves everyday unable to access medical care, unable to pay their rent or mortgage, unable to access dental care, eyeglasses, medications, mental health counseling and other "non-essential services". The increase in needs has hit every health and human service agency in the county. One need only look at the number of restaurants that have closed recently to know that the financial underpinnings of our county are crumbling. And with it, is a major threat to a diminishing of the health, safety, welfare and quality of life of our residents. ... [ed Emphasis Added]
The answers to complex issues such as housing and economic development, the environment and sustainability, are complex in and of themselves, by necessity. Health care approaches are also complex. But they cannot be ignored, if we are to protect the health of our citizens and the health of our community as a whole."
Director Bass also provided a report entitled 2008 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey. Another report she's offered was titled Problems in Paradise "The Peoples of Palm Beach & Martin County Speak Up" dated 2006. She also provided our commission the 2003 District 9 Health plan, which although somewhat dated does provide insight into not just the situation as understood in 2003, but also provides an opportunity to track the progress from the tactics developed for the issues of 2003 but how those approaches have fared half a decade later. We were also provided a copy of the 2004 Community Health Planning Initiative (subtitled a Report to the Community). And finally the 2002, Communities for a Lifetime, Elder Ready Initiative. The Commission will find these reports and studies a crucial resource as we prepare our analysis of the challenges facing the citizens of Martin County in the decade ahead.
We discussed our plan to create public forums for medical professionals to discuss the Health Care challenges from their perspective as well as the possibility for the public to discuss their perspectives on services and access issues they face. Director Heaton, suggested that the Futures Group might be interested in partnering with us to facilitate the public meetings. They are very active in creating public forums to improve the county. Executive Director Olds offered to put me in touch with the Futures Group. She also suggested that we participate in the "provider training" which could give us an idea of the data collection process that is currently underway to provide "REAL-TIME" Health Care utilization data in our county.
We talked about several of the widely recognized pinch points, in the Health Care system just a few of which are Mental Health, Elder care, Substance abuse, and of course the Gorilla in the room, the impact of the strains in the economy, which can only exacerbate access to already limited resources. This was an auspicious beginning to what should prove to be a good working relationship with just a few of the people who work every day to make Health Care accessible to the citizens of Martin County.
We left a few questions on the table, we hope to determine, the "standard" approximate fees for broken limbs, X-rays, MRIs and standard fees for childbirth (as an information resource). We want to raise these Health Care access issues so that as the budget discussions arise in Tallahassee, and Washington DC, there will be an informed debate which addresses current budgetary constraints and the real-impact of potential additional budgetary shortfalls.
RW Spisak Jr.
CoChair The Citizens Commission on the Future of Health Care in Martin County
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
