The American public
elected Hillary Clinton but the electoral college elected Donald Trump. The
latter stands and so we must prepare today for the road ahead.
While many Americans
are in difficult situations and felt that this was one way they can show their
contempt for Congress, the fact is the President elect has shown himself to be
discriminatory against women, minorities and has little regard for those with
disabilities. Further his goal is to undo the Affordable Care Act (ACA), that
for the first time made healthcare accessible to many Americans, makes
those living with chronic and/or life threatening conditions and/or
disabilities potentially very vulnerable over the next four years.
However, before
launching into “what you can do,” we need to be clear that it will take an act
of Congress to repeal the ACA, as well as enact some of the other campaign
promises he made. Of particular importance to anyone with a lung condition, breathing problems or heart disease, Trump has vowed to erase clean energy
regulations set forth under Obama. Whether he will be successful in achieving
his campaign promises remains to be seen. In the interim, his mere presence
creates an unsettled feeling for many, so the best approach is to prepare for
the worse and hope for the best.
What you can do:
1. Join the local chapter of the condition specific organization you are affected by (e.g. American Lung Association) and become actively involved.
2. Be an activist. Lobby congress, state and local governments
for health care that is affordable for all. Keep on top of legislation in areas
other than health care that could adversely impact you, e.g. removing pollution
standards. Many health related organizations and health departments monitor
state and national pending legislation so subscribe to their newsletters and
check their blogs. Get involved in what ever level you can-your life could
depend on it.
3. Take charge of your health and Well-Being: The following posts can help:
5.
Reduce your carbon footprint: Studies show that climate
change and pollution adversely impact peoples’ health, particularly those with
conditions like asthma, heart disease, COPD. Changing eating, drinking and
energy consumption patterns to be more sustainable can make a difference. For
more on this topic: 12 Ways to Live More Sustainably
5. Support Organizations (locally whenever possible). Not everyone can make a financial contribution, but can help by volunteering and engaging in other forms of community activism. Check out Donating for the “cure”: Do Your Homework/ Other Ways to Contribute Organizations to consider:
• Free Clinics and Dental Services: More people are going to need to rely on them
for care. If you are not familiar with the clinic in your area, try a Google
search, State Listing http://www.freeclinics.com of Free clinics or call 2.1.1
• Area hospitals and
community health centers
• Community Based Organizations: These are local non profits that work to
meet the needs of a given community and can include churches, schools, civic
groups (Rotary, Elks), day care etc.
• Jezebel’s list of Pro Groups-women, immigrant, earth- and Anti Bigotry Organizations Includes groups like Planned Parenthood, Rape, Abuse & Incest National
Network, GLBT groups etc.
• Organizations
outlined in How to Channel Your Post Election Anger, Sadness and Fear Into Action.
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