FamiliesUSA

I have just returned from the FamiliesUSA annual conference. It was just what I needed to be re-energized. I attended some amazing break-out sessions on Medicaid, enrollment and engaging consumers in healthcare transformation.

I had the opportunity to meet people from all over the country who are involved in various roles in healthcare advocacy, enrollment and policy.

My overwhelming feeling the first couple of days was of being old. The conference provided young professionals the opportunity to attend the conference at a reduced rate and offered break-out sessions designed specifically for that group. It was a great idea! It was wonderful to see young, energetic people working passionately for the issues I believe in.

My new favorite song is a rap song – Glory – from the movie Selma. These lines from the song keep going through my mind:

“Somewhere in the dream we had an epiphany
Now we right the wrongs in history
No one can win the war individually
It takes the wisdom of the elders and young people's energy…”

It takes the wisdom of the elders and young people’s energy… how true. We really have to value each other and the role of both the young and the old. The healthcare battle is one that will not be finished in my lifetime. The fight for healthcare equity has been going on for over 100 years. The resolution is not at hand.

But it is so reassuring to see so many people who feel as passionately as I do about this issue. While many disagree with me, at the end of the day we are all better off if everyone has access to healthcare. We have to continue the work to ensure that healthcare is accessible, affordable, and quality. We still have a lot of work to do.

I am ready to do my part – thank you FamiliesUSA for my “booster shot”!

NEHM

Today’s email brought this message: “The Board of Directors of Episcopal Health Ministries, facing the reality of the funding environment, has concluded that we can no longer maintain our current staffing.”

A transition team has been put in place…

Another loss.

National Episcopal Health Ministries (they dropped National from the name a couple of years ago, but I still always think of them as NEHM) has been such an important part of my journey for the past eight years.

I have attended every one of the national conferences put on by NEHM; I have presented at three of them. Because of one presentation about healthcare reform, I had the opportunity to do a national webcast. Matt and Sue have supported me and encouraged me.

I have met people from all over the country who are involved in healthcare in various ways. There are parish nurses, nurse practitioners, priests, and people involved in every aspect of healthcare and faith.

At the conferences we have heard amazing speakers – Edwina Gately and Sara Miles among them. We have visited amazing places – Kanuga in North Carolina; San Francisco; Racine, Wisconsin; and, my favorite - New Orleans!

This news just makes me so sad…I will miss the people and the opportunities that NEHM gave me.

Matt and Sue, thank you for all you have done, and best wishes for the future.