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. The map to the right shows the numerous events in my immediate area. 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.