In anticipation of President Obama's bi-partisan healthcare summit tomorrow, last night I attended a pre-healthcare summit forum hosted by Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) and Kerri Miller. A big shout out to Kerri Miller who did an excellent job facilitating a diverse panel represented by Mayo Clinic, Health Partners, Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota, and Fairview Hospitals and Clinics.
The audience was as diverse as each opinion in the auditorium. Multiply that times 300 million people and 300 million opinions and we might begin to understand the complexity of this issue. What I learned is that there really isn't one model or one answer. With all due respect, everybody needs to "Give a Little Bit" so that we can begin to move closer towards the middle and towards something that gives the American people what they deserve: healthcare that is accessible and affordable to all.
Education came up, but only briefly. For 8 years I was directly involved in diabetes education. I understand the value of a team-based approach to educating groups of people. It works. Not easily, but as my Mom always told me, nothing worthwhile comes easily. Just about everything, especially these days, requires motivation, dedication, an open mind, a little creativity and perseverance. And of course documenting those ever important outcomes.
We'll save healthy living and healthy choices... i.e. food in the schools for another day. As Scarlett says in Gone With The Wind, "tomorrow is another day".
