Hope DawnsWell we've almost made it. The Republican Administration here in Colorado is nearly at its end; there's new hope dawning for Colorado.
As you know, I've been keeping an eye on Florida, which has been in the news for problems, similar to ours, caring for their disabled citizens. And I'm pleased to report that their new governor, Charlie Crist, has provided an example of how a governor can be.
In the Miami Herald on the 10th: Crist's check and the state's shameful stance .
According to the article, Florida's "...Agency for Persons with Disabilities refused to provide thermal blankets for Kevin Estinfil, a 12-year-old boy in state care suffering from cerebral palsy, blindness, mental retardation, fluid on the brain. He suffers severe seizures. A compromised immune system. His body's internal thermostat doesn't function. Without thermal blankets, his body temperature can fall into the low 90s. Kevin needs thermal balankets to survive."
Florida's APD refused to pay, saying the blankets "weren't medically necessary"...then they spent thousand of dollars fighting a lawsuit filed on his behalf. The article goes on....you should read it (just click on the link above)....but the bottom line is that Crist, the incoming Governor, just wrote a check - a personal check - for the blankets. "The AG immediately told his lawyers to abandon APD's defense."
Talk about Shine the Light and Can You See It? Doesn't it make you feel that faint gush of warmth in your chest to read that? Hope never does die....and I'm thinkin' there may be hope, yet, for Colorado's disabled citizens!!! We've got a new governor, and his wife will be visiting the madhouse on Wednesday morning...around 9:30, I'm guessing.
Oh, Madhouse Workers! Talk to her!! She's a former Peace Corps volunteer and she has the ear of the new Governor!! Think about what you want the guv to know and tell her!! I hope you'll all get your thoughts in a row ... there won't be much time...welcome her and include her (and beg for help)...she's very likely a wonderful ally!!
This really was a great week in news. We had Marva filing for retirement..."The director is not interested in serving in the Ritter administration and has filed for retirement instead" it says in the article. I'll bet.
And, of course, all the stuff about the mentally ill in jail.
But did you get this?? Private Prison Bid Probed, Rocky Mountain News...(I think it was Sunday or Monday). Remember my "paranoid vision" in Happy Guy Fawkes Day? I was envisioning deals "on the side" between state officials and the Geo Group (Wackenhut)? Guess what!! "A retired state prison official stands to be paid $1 million - and possibly face criminal charges - for helping a private prison company win a state bid while he was still working for the state." And, yes, it was with the Geo Group. Am I psychic or what???!!
Change is in the air; 2007 is right aroung the corner. Let's
Get Civilized in 2007!
Let's renew our determination to make the world a place we're proud to live in. It's a mess; let's fix it!!
Dawn is beautiful!!Comments since last post on Marva to Jail...and one on the one before that, I think.
14 comments:
I applaud Governor Grist for the action! It serves as a shining example of insight and leadership!
Perhaps this lesson and others can be internalized elsewhere!
Can you see it?
Hey, Everybody!...if you read the article in Sunday's paper about Ms.Guv, you saw that she's looking for a focus for her time at the mansion...something to be her project. We need to convince her to make Mental Health her project!! Make signs, make and wear T-shirts, pass her notes, Make a banner or two...encourage her!! Just imagine how great it would be if Mental Health was her cause for the next six years!!!
WooHoo!!!
g.f.
So just before the holidays the open positions are posted. Maybe this is a sign that if unhappiness is the current state of mind, that the new year might bring a new place for some who are not so content at their old place. Moving around is the key to longivity at this institution. Hopefully when esteemed visitors come by this week more than just the floors shine. And hopefully the visitor(s) have enough sense to talk to those whose conversation/answers are not rehearsed. Such potential lies just under the surface of the facade that is "the madhouse." If by chance their isn't an opportunity to speak your mind, and in all likelyhood their will be someone close enough to influence restaint, then please make this request for the clients -simple necessities like socks and underwear, caps, mittens and chapstick are needed at this time of year. Maybe a visiting dignitary could at least be helpful in this area. If you can't get something for yourself, and attitude changes are a long shot, then get something for someone else who needs a bit of comfort in their lives.
I worked recently and a co-worker brought in sweets that I thought could have been made in heaven. I was teasing another co-worker and asked for peace of mind for a holiday present. She told me she'd work on it, but in the meantime, I might have to have a Bailey's on her. Another fella I work with was his usual likable self, as well as being supportive when was needed, and funny in between. There are some good folks at this place and they make some of the other stuff seem less frustrating. And if all that wasn't enough to get me through a couple of tuff hours, the table is back! Happy Holidays to all.
March 2006...RN said...
Let's weigh the issue. Chemical restraints? Let someone get the shit beat out of them? Chemical Restraints? Manic out of control? Chemical restraints? Let psychotic put self at risk when acting out on delusions/hallucinations? Chemical restraints? Let Borderline cut, choke, pull out hair or other self-injurious behavior. Come on people. SAFETY FIRST
Gad,
I was reading through your blog on Florida's new governor, when I was inspired to re-read the comments about GeoCare. I came upon this RN's comments and was touched by the passion in them. (more in a few moments)
Oh, by the by... Yesterday Governor Crist replaced the head of Florida's Mental Health System, Lucy Hadi, with a fellow named, Bob Butterworth, Nobody can think of anything bad to say about this man who was a 4 term Florida Attorney General, a fine Southern gentleman and a lifelong Democrat. Near as we can tell he is universally loved and respected and absolutely a brilliant choice for any job he cares to tackle. We are walking around on cloud 9 around here, as we feel, as your picture shows so eloquently... a new day is dawning after a Mordor like 8 years of Texas hell under the Bush administration here in Florida.
This is especially significant as Mr. Butterworth's appointment signals a non-partisen stance by the Governor, who is of course a Republican.
Those of us with a little gray to our heads can remember other times in the past when shifts of personnel after an administration change felt like a new day was dawning.
But...The Bush administration, for all it's insensitivity, did make progress on many fronts in bringing a more forward looking posture to the state's Mental Health System. This was, in large measure, in response to organizations like NAMI (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill)who for all the "difficulty" they cause, do challenge providers to move in a direction, not easy, but certainly well considered. Florida is attempting to move in that direction... trying hard to figure out ways of providing more humane care to our mentally ill. For the moment our top leadership seems to be inclined to move that initiative forward. There are those of us who are increasingly hopeful today as a result.
Now, Back to our RN... I sense that his/her opinion about the use of calming medications and the nature of their place in appropriate treatment is similar to my own. I don't think that the term "Chemical Restraint" would include those situations he/she mentioned. Rather, those would be appropriate use of medication. The "chemical restraint" controversy comes about when medication is used for "staff convenience" to drug a resident stupid to keep them from "bugging" staff.
I am aware that is doping of residents is universally decried, and yet it is something which I am afraid we are not as innocent of as we would like to believe.
Times change, and I can remember not long ago we used tobacco as a re-inforcer for whatever behavior we wanted from our clients. "Hey.. you give me 30 minutes of peace and quiet, and I'll take you out for a smoke." We called it smoking, we didn't call it "stimulus-response" or "operate conditioning" or anything like it.
But it was powerful stuff.
Now we are smoke free.
Cigarettes were not chemical restraints, but the process was somewhat similiar as it was manipulation to avoid having to help the client figure out a means by which he could understand his needs or direct his energy without the use of Nicotine.
Ativan,and all the other Benzos, potentially give to the staff the means of avoiding all that edgy stuff in dealing with clients who can be really annoying, and in that gray area we find the use of the chemical restraint.
So there is where we find the work of the Mental Health Tech... in that skill of knowing when to stand and work, and when to cut and run for the PRN.
So... no disagreement RN., As long as you are helping untie the residents' knots with the meds. Fine. But if they are being used to regulate the level of "work" or "disruption" in the milieu then there's a problem.
Another accusation is that the PRNs are reinforcing negative behaviors, and that is a telling argument. The balancing act of the use or non-use of PRNs is one which speaks directly to skill of the providers of care, and unfortunately in the "state system" too often tired providers use PRNs to do their work for them.
Those are chemical restraints. And YES, they are a big potential problem, and NAMI's concerns are well-founded in that their use is not an acceptable substitute for a quality staff and therapeutic environment.
tee hee tee hee
Three cheers for those that worked so hard the last few days through the snow storm. Boo, to those that could have come to work but didn't.
I second that. I hope you've gotten your cars undug and are ready to care for our patients this weekend. Some people worked really hard getting in and then stayed and worked doubles. We are a great group of people. Merry Christmas.
Hope everyone remains safe and intact from this El Nino adventure (what global warming?)
I salute those who remained faithful to those entrusted to their care! Wish I could offer you more!
Have you heard?
Kudos to Jeannie Ritter for braving the elements and visiting the madhouse, most politicos would have begged off. Anybody get to see her, talk with her or enlighten her? Thought not, it doesn’t fit the frame.
And not even one snippet of information from any of the madhouse management was shared with the masses about either of these recent visits from state government. Makes you wonder why.
We see that our director sent out an email reminding us of our responsibilities as essential staff and then sent out an email thanking those of us that worked through the storm and the aftermath. We do appreciate the thought, how considerate and appreciative.
What a shame though that we only receive an email for the efforts. Can you say spot award or administrative leave? Guess not. We wouldn’t want the real workers to think that significant recognition is possible would we?
We see that Marva Hammons, our outgoing CDHS director, recently sent out her holiday message through another staff. How truly personal.
She states we achieved many things…wonder what they were since she doesn’t mention any.
She states we persevered during difficult budget years…tell that to the 80 some court orders awaiting admission to our southern madhouse; and by the way what choice did we have anyway?
She states that we enhanced services to our clients while losing staff…anybody care to share any observable enhancements at the madhouse?
She states she is grateful for the support of all who contributed to the success and made progress possible for the Department during my tenure. Could someone please enlighten me regarding the success and progress? Would that be like her major emphasis on equity?
Can you see it? Can you feel it?
SHINE THE LIGHT!
Our experiences at the madhouse are not isolated aberrations. There are many examples of social madness running rampant throughout the world. Read these excerpts from the back pages of our local papers. Ever wonder what information is really important for us to know?
$1 billion surge forecast for state revenue - Of course the bulk of that money over the next five years is earmarked for something other than mental health services. What?! You thought voting for Referendum C would alter that approach when management framed it that way?
North shake-up underway – approximately 37 teachers find out they are fired and must reapply to teach at North High School in an email sent out on Wednesday by the DPS superintendent. Cheerful Christmas communication from management, sound familiar?
Dry run of draft in works; Army, Marines need help – Selective Service System completed updating local draft board guidance manuals in September and will conduct a mock draft and convene a mock appeals board for conscientious objectors. They are also exploring public service options for these draftees. Need more of our young to fight global terrorism. Feel the frame?
Pumping stations fail to control heavy rain – guess where? That’s right! New Orleans. Your tax dollars at work for Katrina repairs. Now where did all that money go?
And in a related story: Appeals court halts Katrina housing order – a federal appeals court gives the Bush administration relief from reinstating the housing program for thousands of evacuees even though the US District Court found FEMA in violation of the Constitution. They are more like guidelines you know…
Apology sought by American Muslims – from a Virginia Representative for telling his constituents that more Muslims will follow the newly elected representative from Minnesota to Congress if strict immigration laws are not passed. He is concerned that they will demand the use of the Koran, instead of the Bible, when taking the oath of office. Freedom of religion must be a guideline as well.
Accepting gifts costs Fidelity $42 million – the fund company must pay this penalty to it’s funds to clear allegations that its’ traders improperly steered business to brokerage firms that gave them gifts, travel and entertainment. Of course they are not admitting or denying any wrongdoing; it’s just good business.
Nuclear talks achieve nothing but blame – five days of talks conclude with North Korea threatening to improve its’ nuclear deterrent. US diplomacy in action. Think it has anything to do with our administrations’ Axis of Evil spin?
Abbas: Summit with Israel near – preparations are underway for the Palestinian president and the Israeli Prime Minister to meet though nothing has yet been formalized. The truce has been strained by violent exchanges at the West Bank. Any US diplomacy available here?
Wal-Mart’s $4 drugs not hurting others’ profits – many analysts are concluding that the sales have been fueled by uninsured patients that were not buying prescriptions anywhere prior to Wal–Mart beginning the service for a 30 day supply of over 150 generic drugs. Could this mean that lower prices do not translate to lower profits for anyone associated with the pharmaceutical industry? Why not lower them more across the board?
Rebel monks barricaded in monastic sanctuary – this is a continuation of a long-standing dispute in Greece by legally recognized Orthodox monks and a rebel monastery that opposes efforts by the Orthodox Church to improve relations with the Vatican. Even the infidels fight amongst themselves!
Cast-off hippos pose large problem – a notorious and deceased Colombian drug lord had maintained a wild animal park on his estate. Most of the animals have been moved or disappeared since the demise of the owner and his estate except for the 4 hippos, which were to large and ornery to move. They now number 16 and have adapted to grazing like cattle, nature in action. The local government has suggested it may have to reduce or exterminate the herd even though the locals regard the animals as part of their identity. Now where have I heard something similar?
And yes, there are some positive news items fit for print.
National Guard performs rescues during blizzard – the guv declared an emergency and deployed the resources fairly quickly. Foreign conflicts or local assistance, which makes the most sense for our militias?
Handoff in Najaf province – US forces cede control to Iraqi police and soldiers in the 3rd of 18 provinces. Thought this was the method to insure our troops can leave. Shouldn’t this be on the front page all the time?
Swift gives $60,000 to aid affected families – to the United Way of Weld County. Money will be used for basic needs such as food and utilities. Good start.
Lula calls in air force to transport travelers – the Brazilian president used the air force to transport airline passengers during the holiday. Snarled commercial traffic was due to long lines, overbooking, bad weather and aircraft mechanical problems He also stopped ticket sales by the nation’s largest airline until the situation was brought under control. He acted to resolve the situation, a novel concept for administration and management.
Calderon to focus on creating jobs – Mexico’s president wants to create more jobs to keep Mexicans at home and place less emphasis on a US migration accord to stem illegal immigration. Foreign governments thinking and acting for themselves, how refreshing.
Maybe we should all just wallow in the darkness! Can you see it?
Sounds like it's time to become an expat and leave the country for those turquiose seas, white sands....Can you FEEL IT through your toes, can you SEE IT?
Lets GO!!!
Hey I submitted a comment and you did not post it.. no incriminating or hippa stuff, are you filtering your postings or what??????
Dear Annonymous....no, I'm not censoring comments...sorry to have missed yours...are you sure its not on a different essay? If you can tell me what it was about, I'll look for it...if I missed it, I'll certainly get it posted!! Sorry!!
g.f.
You suggest I should just cut and run, as many others have done. More and more Americans are making that choice and I wish them well.
However, I think I choose to stand and fight the deep dank darkness to which the madhouse and our country has succumbed. Do you?
Change must occur to preserve the rights of those in our care, of those who care and of all Americans.
Can you see it?
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