It’s a really complicated world……all of us want to decrease the federal debt, but how can we when so much is needed? Increased spending on the borders and illegal immigration control is at the top of the “Rights” list, while taking care of our poor and disabled stay at the top of the “lefts” list. In my world it’s a no-brainer. Supporting people that are some of societies most vulnerable is the right thing to do and I am glad HR 1586 was signed into law yesterday.

The law included a six month extension of higher Medicaid federal matching funds for states – a major contribution towards some of the drastic slashes in mental health coverage in Arizona.

Recent budget slashes (I prefer that term over cuts as I feel it’s much more descriptive) in the state’s healthcare system for the poor have forced many people to search for alternatives to afford their medications. Some are going to Canada, while some have been fortunate to be able to get discounts directly from the pharmaceutical companies. I applaud the efforts of some of the drug companies to help and I wish they would all step up.

While illegal immigration and calls to enforce the border by sending in troops occupies the headlines, our state’s most vulnerable citizens are doing the best they can just to survive.  In my world they take priority over someone who has illegally crossed our borders to look for a better way of life.  Helping disabled and seriously mentally ill people is not only money well spent, it’s the “right” thing to do!

How Did Your Member Vote?

View the House roll call vote on final passage of HR 1586

Both McCain and Kyle voted no when the bill went through the senate.

Read further details on the provisions in HR 1586 designed to support state Medicaid programs into 2011.

Certain groups of people are more likely to develop dangerous responses to high temperatures, including heat stroke or certain medical conditions. Children and older adults fall into this category, but people of any age who are living with mental illness also need to be very careful during extremely hot weather.

Staying out of the heat can be difficult for our homeless population, many of whom also live with mental illness. I have seen a homeless person on more than one occasion totally overdressed during our 100 degree plus days because he either doesn’t realize how hot it is, or he’s afraid to leave his few possessions, including his clothing, behind.

Stay Safe

Educate yourself about the symptoms of heat stroke , such as:

* An extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees Fahrenheit)
* Red, hot and dry skin (no sweating)
* Rapid, strong pulse
* Throbbing headache
* Dizziness
* Nausea
* Confusion

Individuals living with mental illness may be more prone to heat stroke because some medications alter the body’s response to heat. In addition, people taking specific medications may be at a higher risk of developing Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) , a serious condition that may be connected to high temperatures and the dehydration that can result from heat stroke. NMS and heat stroke have similar symptoms, so it is especially important that people with mental illness inform their doctors of all medications they are currently taking.

Stay Informed

The National Weather Service is the hub of information about heat alerts. The Weather Channel offers a free service that will send updates about heat advisories to your phone.

Stay Inside

On extremely hot days, limit your exposure to the heat and sun, especially during the hottest part of the day. Don’t walk long distances if you don’t have to. Some public transportation systems offer free bus service on days with a dangerous heat index.

Stay Cool

If you do have an air conditioner, change the filter and perform other maintenance that will keep the unit working at peak capacity. If you don’t have an air conditioner, try to spend a few hours a day in an air-conditioned public place like a library or mall. Look into area programs that may provide air conditioners for people with disabilities for free or at a reduced cost. In the past, some local United Way chapters have collected donated units and redistributed them to people with the most need.

Here’s a list of some of Tucson’s Homeless Shelters.  I don’t know if any of them have room, but hopefully they can provide a respite from the heat for our city’s people on the streets.

Over 12,000 low income Arizona residents  loose much of their public mental health coverage today.  Important coverage like non-generic medications, group and individual therapy, case management, housing and transportation assistance as just an example.  Where are these people to go?  What are they to do?

Some have struggled for years to find the right medication “cocktail” and now the rug is being pulled out from under them. They won’t be able to afford the newer, more effective drugs that can cost thousands of dollars a month and they won’t have a therapist or case manager monitoring their changes.  Many are the “working poor” who make just a few too many dollars to qualify for the the state’s medicaid system, AHCCCS;  also  in jeopardy of loosing millions.

Yes, it looks like it could get even worse since  Congress may not extend the states Medicaid assistance. Medicaid assistance from the federal government was voted against by the U.S. Senate last week.  Without it, Arizona’s health care budget falls further into the red.  In a letter to Arizona members of Congress, Governor Brewer complained that “(I)t has become clear that Congress does not have the will to assist states in addressing the very problem that it created.” Based on her combative attitude displayed recently all over the media, I will be surprised if any “Fed” will pay attention.

I guess you can tell I’m angry, but instead of complaining, I wish she would use the same “take charge” attitude towards our state’s health care system as she does toward our illegal immigration issues where no expense spared is the mantra.  We’re soon to be using our local city and state law enforcement officers to enforce federal immigration laws.  Plus, there always seems to be more money to build more prisons to house the additional “illegal immigrants.”  What about using money to house and treat some of our state’s most vulnerable citizens?

The Obama administration launched a new health care reform website yesterday that provides information to the public on “the full range of public and private health insurance plans” that fits their specific circumstances. Mandated by the health reform law, the site will show users how their options “will change in coming years” as the law takes effect. – The Progress Report, July 1, 2010