Roll Up Your Sleeves
Saturday, June 27th is the first National Health Care Day of Service. This nation-wide event was developed by Organizing for America, a project of the Democratic National Committee. On
June 27th volunteers around America will engage in local community
service activities designed to expose participants to the reality of
America’s health care system and the millions of people who the system
is currently failing. The day of service is one aspect of the Obama Administration's overall campaign to ensure health care reform in 2009.
While it is probably too late to organize and host an event, simply entering your zip code
will provide you with a list of open events in your community. Examples
of diverse opportunities to get involved include food drives, blood
drives, distributing information about children's health care to
low-income families, free QiGong classes, group discussions about
health care reform, health care information booths at farmer's markets,
health care documentary viewings, volunteering at assisted living
facilities, health screenings at skilled nursing facilities, etc etc
etc.
The Obama administration claims that, "volunteers who participate in the National Health Care Day of Service will be stronger advocates for health care reform".
I agree- the simple act of joining together with others from our
community to learn and start a conversation about our current health
care system and the way it is failing millions of Americans has the
power to open our eyes to all that needs to be done.... and the ways
that we as individuals and groups can make an impact.
I've heard time and time again that in 2009 President Obama and
Democratic Party is committed to supporting health care reform
legislation that "protects what works about health care and fixes
what’s broken". While I am guardedly optimistic about the
results we will see in the next six months, I fully support the efforts
of the President to engage individuals and communities in the fight for
long-term, systemic health care reform.
As occupational therapy practitioners, we have a lot to offer the
conversation and efforts undertaken on National Health Care Day of
Service, and everyday. Our understanding of the ins-and-outs of the
health care system, experience with the challenges clients face
navigating this system, emphasis on viewing people holistically, rather
than as diagnoses or disabilities, and willingness to advocate for the
wellfare of those we serve are qualities that directly lend themselves
to community service. If you would like to learn more about the
National Health Care Day of Service, and/or participate in an event
near you, click here.
