Monday, July 28, 2008

More than 2 miles

I was talking to one of our guys here and he said he was tired of going to the pharmacy. That's always a bit of a red flag because members taking their medication is a good thing (most of the time) so my ears pricked-up.

He went on to explain that he was all for taking his medications but that the walk to the pharmacy was wearing him out. It's a three mile walk for him round trip - he has eight scripts all with different refill dates.

Based on my math he's walking about 50 km a month just to and from the pharmacy. Would any of us drive to the pharmacy eight times a month because our doctor, or insurer, or government, deigned it to be so?

I think not.

This is how those stuck in poverty are typically victimized - not through malicious ill-will, but through inattention and indifference. Those in morbid need often don't know enough to act on their own behalf (or how to act, or who to contact) so it becomes a "S2Bu" (Sux to be you) situation and nothing changes.

If you are looking to make a difference, try and fill that need for someone near you.

Remember, poverty is about need - not money.

K

1 comment:

Erin said...

Boy... this almost seems like a great opportunity for someone who could advocate on their behalf. Perhaps getting the dr. and whoever else to change refill dates to get things lined up better. Or perhaps some Jesus-y types to deliver prescriptions once a week.

I guess it always comes back to relationship.