Because of the Affordable Care Act, I see people better able to manage their chronic conditions. I am certified diabetes educator at the 45th Street Clinic and a specialist in HIV care at Harborview Medical Center both in Seattle, Washington. I spent this week in Washington, DC on the steps of the Supreme Court to advocate on behalf my patients for the benefits and protections of the law.
Those who want to take away these important reforms do not have a plan that leads to better care for all Americans. Their motivations are political and politics has no business inside of my clinic.
After high school I joined the United Farm Workers and took part in the grape and lettuce boycotts in the midwest and supported farm worker organizing in California in the 1970's. So I've been part of many pickets, rallies, protests and organizing drives over the years.
When I saw the cameras, the microphones, the crowds of people and the police officers on the steps of the Court it felt like something really important was happening. This law is one of the most important pieces of legislation in my lifetime (along with the Civil Rights Act) and the events at the Court today certainly reinforce that feeling.
As I looked around, I saw the pink shirts and signs defending women's healthcare, the signs with pictures of families saved by this law, I saw young people, old people, and race and cultural group represented in the USA. I thought of my patients and my colleagues who couldn't make this trip, but I saw them represented in the crowd.
When I get back to Seattle, WA, we will be having our local convention. There will be a training session about the Affordable Care Act on the agenda. After my experience at the Court, I feel great optimism and excitement. We are going to make a difference and educate our colleagues who will in turn educate each other and our patients about this law and all of its benefits and protections. We will protect our care and protect the Affordable Care Act.
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