The mayor s forum this evening may provide an opportunity to begin such a discussion. The issues of health are complex, the needs both compelling and personal, and the lead-time on change considerable. For most people, the realities of our current system only become apparent when they are in immediate need of services for themselves or a family member. At that point, little can be done to improve or change the realities of the moment. Having a community better informed about the system allows a number of things to happen.
Family can moderate their expectations.
As much as we all desire to have a complete set of services available 24 hours a day, this will exist only in our dreams. Most of us are better off when prepared for the reality of service levels. Knowing the reality also will permit the community to make meaningful decisions about shifting resources to maximize local benefit. It is only the beginning of a discussion but the more of us participating, the more impact it will have.