Last night was the final of the three hearings discussing the Pima County Attendant Care Program. The turnout was good but not great; perhaps 50 people were there. But this third meeting also reflected more organized, as well as informed, questions and statements from the participants. Once again, it was Robin Gwozdz and Karen Fields to answer questions. More than one speaker stated that we are being humored with the meetings, being unable to shake the feeling the so called proposal has already been initiated. One speaker in particular, a lawyer with a son in the program, asked several pointed questions concerning who, in fact, began all of this, why a system that works is being dismantled, and what the supposed monetary savings might be for the county. Others restated concerns that the quality of care for clients will decline and that the policing of the independent agencies will be more difficult. I am still concerned that attention is being overly focused on the attendants job issues and the real probability that the quality of client care will deteriorate is being deliberately neglected.

And so now the information being collected will be sorted and organized, then passed on to the Supervisors. I understand that by the end of the month, they will be making a decision.

There is still work that can be done. We were given a short contact list, possible ways to make more comments and suggestions. They are as follows:


Phone: Attendant Care program information line 243-8055
Fax: comments may be faced to 243-8453
Email: send comments to attcare@pimahealthsystem.org


Use them all, use them well, use them often. Let the Supervisors know that the decision they are contemplating affects peoples' lives and well being.

Keep an eye here, I will post as much as I can when information is available.