When I received the official "we have a bill" email yesterday from Frank Salvatore (Federal Government Affairs Committee chair), I took a few moments to reflect on what it would mean for our patients. I thought about my late grandfather who suffered from end-stage COPD for several years and his favorite respiratory therapist Kim...the one who saw him in the ER once a month. I thought about my mother-in-law who suffers from chronic bronchitis though she has never smoked a cigarette a day in her life (I'll go toe-to-toe with anyone who says a lifetime of second-hand smoke isn't bad). I thought of all the asthmatic "frequent flyers" I've seen during my career who kept coming back to see us in the hospital because they had minimal support in primary care facilities. I thought of the physicians offices where I would provide respiratory-focused treatment training to healthcare professionals who just weren't confident in their skill to take care of chronic lung disease patients in addition to their numerous other duties. My thoughts drifted over different age groups, different ethnicities, and different socioeconomic groups. And I became more than a little angry that these wonderful people did not/do not have access to the right professionals.
I decided to post a request to write on my Facebook site last night even though I usually try to stay away from political posts. However, this is the right time and the right reason. I am happy to see that a lot of my RT brethren have done the same. I urge all of us to write to our congresspeople and get support for HR2619. It's not about us-it's about getting our patients access to the right healthcare professional in the right setting. Respiratory therapists make a difference in the lives of others in a variety of settings and can make a massive impact in primary care given the chance and the proper support. Together, we can make a difference.
http://www.aarc.org/headlines/13/07/write_congress.cfm
If you've never used the Capitol Connection email system, you're in for a treat. It's super easy and helps you get your message to the people in your areas. There are letter templates for RTs, student RTs, patients, physicians, caregivers, and friends/supporters of RTs. My non-RT husband sent a letter this morning and was pleased at how easy the system makes it. Spread the word...our voice must be loud and consistent to get our patients the access they deserve.