Aug 1, 2016, 9:22 AM, Posted by
Tracy Costigan
Few of us have forgotten the searing images of the impact of Hurricane Katrina on the Gulf Coast, especially how the great American City of New Orleans was left in shambles—a testament to longstanding social and economic problems that preceded the storm and a nation that was unprepared after it occurred.
In the decade that followed Katrina—one that included the largest offshore oil spill in U.S. history—recovery across the region has varied, but there have been several success stories. For example, New Orleans, that soulful town, overhauled its health and public health systems, improved access to nutritious food and fitness activities, and put new emphasis on issues of equity and poverty. The work is far from done, but the transformation was sufficient to earn a Culture of Health Prize from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) in 2013.
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Sep 8, 2014, 1:55 PM, Posted by
Maisha Simmons
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Dec 28, 2011, 1:00 PM, Posted by
Denise Bottcher
As we head into 2012, the Human Capital Blog asked Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) staff, program directors, scholars and grantees to share their New Year’s resolutions for our health care system, and what they think should be the priorities for action in the New Year. This post is by Denise Bottcher, Communications Director, AARP Louisiana, which is the non-nurse co-lead for Louisiana’s Action Coalition, a part of Future of Nursing: Campaign for Action.
What is your New Year’s resolution for the United States health care system?
Right now Louisiana–like the rest of the nation—is facing a shortage of primary care physicians. And it’s not projected to get any better any time soon. It just makes sense that we remove the barriers advance practice nurses face so that we can expand access to high-quality care so that we can keep our population healthy.
As the nation grows older, the demands for health care increase. Managing chronic conditions and staying healthy are chief concerns for older adults and the people who care for them. So what’s the excuse for not allowing highly trained educated nurses play a larger role in meeting the needs of patients? It’s time we end the turf war and put people first.
What do you think should be the highest priority for action in the New Year?
Whichever side you’re on, I think Americans are ready for the United States Supreme Court to rule on the Affordable Care Act. Along with the economy, the new health care law continues to be one of the most hotly contested debates among radio talk show hosts, elected officials and voters. It’s not surprising that when you talk about the benefits of the new law–coverage for pre-existing conditions, preventative coverage, and eliminating red tape–everyone supports it. It’s only when you talk about the mandate to purchase insurance that the debate begins. I’m ready for the U.S. Supreme Court to settle the debate once and for all. Let’s get on with it.
This commentary originally appeared on the RWJF Human Capital Blog. The views and opinions expressed here are those of the authors.