Write a Comment
4 Comments
I hope I am part of the solution. I mention my illness often if it's germane to the conversation; warn anyone giving me medical treatment, correct misapprehensions I hear, and ask just about everyone I see with a tattoo if they've gotten tested for HCV. I have had a support group, but to do it again I will need help since my energy level is so low. I have given my phone number to other patients to use if they need someone to talk to. I also talk to people about becoming donors (especially if they have Type A blood type) and joke about getting the helmet law repealed. We lost a lot of donors when it was enacted. I am always looking for ways to get the proper information out there...
There are many ways that people can become part of the solution, and how we do this depends upon each person's particular style and talent. For instance, I am comfortable revealing facts about myself that help me start conversations; others may not want to risk this. I think the most important step is to be informed about an issue. One of the biggest problems is that hep C is still in the shadows with many myths circulating about it. Yes, contact legislators when issues come up. Stay abreast of current issues through an organisation such as http://nvhr.org/ or http://hepcchallenge.org/ There are other ways - talk to people, local groups, letters in local paper, leave literature in public places, and so on. It's not what we do so much as that we do...
Dear Lucinda: How do you recommend the general public become part of the solution? Contact our legislators? Contact the pharma companies? Thanks.
Lucinda K. Porter, RN
Great example being part of the solution. Your words lift me up and make me feel that together, we will make a huge difference. Thank you.
January 11, 2013