I am deeply troubled by an article in the March 9, 2013 News-Herald that stated that Cook County Public Health intends to eliminate their contribution to providing home health care to the elderly who cannot afford it by 3% per year until that contribution is zero.
This question comes to every generation: “How will you take care of our people?”
In my grandparent’s and parent’s day, people decided to give education, build hospitals, care for the elderly and infirm, provide post offices, electricity, telephone to everyone no matter how rural or how poor. They faced extreme financial problems also. We enjoy a good standard of living today because of their hard work, care and sacrifice. Can we do less? Can we let all their hard work disappear?
As a people we need to honor and care for our elderly. It could be your aunt or your friend’s father or your neighbor we are helping. It affects all of us in one way or another and is a priority issue. Surely our county can afford $50,000 a year to keep our elderly home longer (and thus save us money and help our hospital too). I am willing to pay a higher levy to accomplish this, just as I am willing to pay more to keep our schools open so all children can have an education. On all government levels but especially at the local level we need to step up to the plate.
The statement under Cook County Public Health and Human Services on the Cook County website states that its purpose is helping people maintain safe, healthy and independent lives. Certainly money for home health care services to the low income elderly fulfills this mission.
The old and the young have no voice. Let us be their voice. It is our duty to care and our right to speak up. Please call or write your county health board and county commissioners and tell them their decision is unacceptable. Your effort can make a difference!
Cook County Public Health and Human Services Board Members are: Commissioners Bruce Martinson, Heidi Doo-Kirk, Sue Hakes, Garry Gamble, Janice Hall, and citizens Jerry Lilja and Carla LaPointe.
Tamara Rude
Tofte
Leave a Reply