Say no to Medicare cuts
As a speech pathologist working with the elderly population in nursing homes, I urge all citizens to contact their congressmen/senators and request that they support any bill that prevents the Medicare cuts to nursing homes. Care for the frail elderly is already compromised because of the current ‘PPS’ system of reimbursement. Further cuts would be disastrous for the elderly, for nursing homes and for healthcare providers of this vulnerable population.
Bridget Weber
Jefferson Hills
Needy aren’t at resort
It is commendable that a “variety of representatives from local government agencies and the education field” will get together next month. (Herald Standard, Sept. 19). It is also highlighted in the Wows and Scowls column on Sept. 20 to discuss poverty in the area.
I have a problem with the location of that conference at Seven Springs. The amount of money being spent could probably feed two or three families for a month. Maybe a meeting in a soup kitchen would get those involved closer to the problem. While there may be good intentions here the feelings of those individuals being discussed is not being considered.
On the one hand we have poverty and on the other a summit held at a high-priced resort. I don’t think they will find any needy people at the resort.
This is a good idea gone bad. But maybe that was the idea all along. Plenty of press with little results and a good time had by all.
Paul Blatt
Connellsville
Lives are price of power
Current issues regarding relations with Iraq, as well as the consideration of creating a Department of Homeland Security, should help bring clarity to our understanding of the ongoing global agenda.
It is obvious that elected members of Congress, both House and Senate, who unreservedly support the unconstitutional proposals of the executive branch of our republic are compromising our liberty at home and entangling our sovereign nation in an almost reverent subservience to the United Nations. This shows a blatant disregard of the very way of life and freedom granted to us by our Creator.
If we are to continue to live free, we must constantly remind those elected to federal office that it is their duty to represent, protect and defend the American people by upholding their oaths to abide by the rule of law established in the Constitution, and not pander to those who lust for world-wide power.
American lives are too costly a price to pay for that power.
Chuck Swope
Spraggs
Hospital asset to community
It is with great pleasure that I write this letter to commend Brownsville General Hospital and, most importantly, its medical/surgical staff, for the excellent care I received while being treated for colon cancer.
I have witnessed the care given at many institutions over a large geographical area. I can truly state that we are extremely fortunate to have a community-based hometown hospital where the patient is a person and not just another number.
I have been truly blessed. This was my first experience and battle with a potentially life-threatening illness. Naturally, I was petrified.
However, from the minute I arrived, I was greeted by compassionate, soft-spoken professionals.
From the nursing staff, to the cafeteria staff, to the housekeeping staff – all were top-shelf professionals putting patient care first. I cannot begin to thank them enough. I have never witnessed such extreme compassion and excellent care.
The Brownsville General Hospital Board of Directors work diligently to keep the doors open.
I hope the community understands how difficult it is to accomplish that task in today’s world of dismal insurance reimbursement, lower Medicare/Medicaid payments and increasing costs.
Betty Jean Mancini
Uniontown