I tuned into the Democratic Convention last night in time to see the end of Senator Clinton's speech. I was admiring her spirit of support and I do like Sen. Clinton despite the fact that I did not wish for her to receive the Presidential nomination.
So, I felt warm and fuzzy when she remarked about the "Sisterhood of the Pantsuits" friendship made between the women on the political trail. I also thought about her track record with healthcare. It is strong, but we know healthcare is at a critical state in America and McCain would keep it that way.
It is necessary for us "sistahs" to pay particular attention to healthcare legislation always and all the way down to the local legislative districts. Because African-Americans are the least likely race to seek mental healthcare, we need to push politicians (Congress, Legislators) to make it accessible to our community!
It saddens me and frustrates me when I have an appointment and the place is filled with people who have no healthcare and I see how it affects their condition of Bipolar. The cost of medications are off the scale!!! I used to skip meds in the early days because I could not afford it at times. Sometimes, I must make choices between groceries and prescriptions. Sometimes, I must skip an appointment to avoid the co-pay fee and use that money to get prescriptions. I was shocked this summer to learn that I had ALREADY maxed out my drug-plan's annual allowance! The cost of drugs is ridiculously high, but I digress.
So, we must understand that we have to seriously make life-style changes that will enhance mental wellness. We must keep a close eye on the political process on healthcare. Do not think it is somebody else's problem because you feel fine. All those women in the health clinic have a chance to be productive citizens. They have families who gave up on them because of the untreated Bipolar symptoms. Many have untreatable symptoms of Bipolar because they cannot afford it. They become the women on the corner with the cart. The men hustling for food. We drive by them all day long and it does not have to be that way.
So, remember FOREVER that women are the backbone of families when we are well. It is our responsibility to teach and educate our children about mental healthcare and spiritual wellness. It is our responsibility to watch our politicians and make sure they truly have our state of minds on their priority list. We need the door to healthcare opened wider and the lights should never dim.
Did you know that every drug company MUST offer some drugs free! I learned this two years ago and I downloaded the application and completed it. It is income based and that varies depending on the company, but in most cases everybody is eligible. The drug company then sends your medication directly to your doctor. You make an appointment to receive the medication and stay well.
Did you know that drug companies regularly load up your doctor with free samples. They also expire. Do not be ashamed to ask your doctor for "some" free samples. For the rest of the year, I will be receving drugs directly from the drug company and I have about a sixty-day supply of two other medications that were samples about to expire. This will get me to the first of the year when my drug plan will no longer be "maxed" out.
Receiving free drugs also allows you to purchase fruits and vegetables that you could not otherwise afford. Remember, a healthy diet contributes to mental wellness.
Today, I wish you commit to ensuring that mental healthcare becomes accessible in your community.
Agnes ~ Too Wise Not To Praise Him!
Author of "Cooling Well Water: A Collection of Work By An African-American Bipolar Woman" ISBN 0975461206 Winter Release Pending -
www.myspace.com/coolingwellwater
Posted By: agnes levine
Wednesday, August 27th 2008 at 8:53AM
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