Home Health Zoom
Dear Editor: I might as well be the first follow-up letter, as I was the only one, to my knowledge, that lost their cool during the three-minute allotment for testimony of the fifteen who were permitted to speak, for which I offer apologies to the council and Zoom attendees. As I had evidently run out of time, and as I was not able to complete my testimony, I write this Letter to the Editor as my only recourse, being written with gratitude for our constitutional right of freedom of the press, as freedom of speech seems to be eroding nationwide on many levels, whether directly or through time limitations, selection or omission.
The following email was sent to SEARHC through Brandi Bowles, Chief Medical Officer Liaison as a follow up to my testimony:
‘‘I extend my sincere apologies for the anger outburst, the venue was a frustration to me, the sound was vacuous, and broken, I could not hear what was said for the most part by the council, nor could I tell who was speaking. Those on zoom came in loud and clear. Also, I think I hadn’t realized how passionate I must be about the reestablishment of the Medicare Certified Home Health Department, and other past grievances.
‘‘I also realize that as a federally funded entity, you have no choice, but to carry out federal mandates, and health care trends, while continuing to shore up your pocket-book, as these are business decisions, not necessarily health care decisions.
‘‘The last point was to implore you not to remove, nor abandon humanity in your care giving. You cannot separate health care from the human body, nor the humanity of man. Whether telemedicine, vaccine mandates, Pharma, or the increasing use of technology in all forms, there is a human piece that can only be done in person.
‘‘Please consider holding a public meeting with an open mic at Centennial Hall in the near future.’’
I can only add that I think there is nothing more intimate, and humane, than to have a nurse or caregiver come on regularly scheduled visits to one’s bedside at home to monitor and assist those in need who are homebound, as well as to have all of it covered 100% by Medicare, mentally alleviating the financial stress of Health Care during illness.
As we have only one opportunity a year to address SEARHC with questions and statements (I had hoped for discussion, silly me), that opportunity is past, so please let your ‘‘voice’’ be heard in writing, as after all, the public outcry numbers in the hundreds if not thousands, and you know what they say about the ‘‘squeaky wheel.’’ SEARHC please bring back the Medicare Certified Home Health Care Department!
Thank you for the opportunity to comment.
Karen Lucas
50-year resident of Baranof Island
