Rhubarb Applesauce: The VA Choice Program

Imagine the following scenario and assess what you would do in the situation…

“I’d love to make some homemade applesauce. I think I will go down to the fruit stand to pick up some apples” you say to your dog as you head out the door to the fruit stand. After making your way into town, the green grocer greeted you with a warm and friendly “Good morning! What can I get for you today?”

“I need some apples, so I can make some applesauce. Homemade always tastes better and there’s often fewer ingredients too.”

“Gee, I am so sorry. We have some lovely bananas, but we’re all out of apples. Can I interest you in some rhubarb?”

“No, I don’t think those will do, as I am making applesauce.”

“What about some pomegranates? They are chock packed with nutrition.”

“No, I am sorry, but those won’t work either. I really need apples.”

“Well, you can drive four hours south and I think they might have some apples for you. You could try that.”

“Thanks for the idea, but I am not sure that it will be worth the travel.”

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Okay, after you have read that scenario, what are your thoughts towards the fruit stand employee? What would you do in that situation? Maybe change your mind and not make applesauce after all? What if all of the stores within a 30-mile radius were also sold out of apples? Would you make the trek?

            In the example scenario, it outlines something I learned today from my visit with a social worker at my local VA outpatient clinic. See, there is this program called Choice, which is supposed to be a safety net for veterans if they need care, specialized or routine. In my previous clinic location, I was placed on community care via the Choice program for dermatology, rheumatology, and gastroenterology. Since the clinic where I received care in the past did not have these specialists on hand, this system worked for me, for the most part.

However, at my new clinic location, I was told that if you are within a 30-mile radius of a VA health clinic, the veteran would not be eligible for the Choice program. I even inquired if this would still be the same answer if the clinic did not have certain specialists on hand, such as a rheumatologist, gastroenterologist, or dermatologist. Sadly, I was informed that it would still apply. Seriously. If I want to receive care from these specialists, I will have to drive nearly 4 hours (each way, so 8 hours round-trip). With my hips seizing up after sitting in a car for less than an hour, it does not look like I will be receiving any care from these types of specialists. I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome, along with a familial history of colon and bone cancers. This system is broken.

What would you do in this situation?

Awareness

            It seems like each month has an awareness campaign that is flaunted in the media, with all sorts of paraphernalia and pamphlets to assist in spreading the message, bringing whatever cause it is to light. This month, October, is both breast cancer and domestic violence awareness, and no, I won’t be plastering my vehicle in pink and purple ribbon magnets that are hawked in every gas station or grocery store, nor will I be toting my groceries around in canvas bags that have the colored ribbons adorned on them. Yes, I do hope that one day both of these things, breast cancer and domestic violence, become things of the past, but I don’t think the way for that to happen is through monthly awareness campaigns.

            The other day I was in the waiting room of the hospital, awaiting to be checked in for my MRI. A lady who was sitting in the waiting room commented on my hair (it’s currently a bright turquoise, specifically Manic Panic Voodoo Blue) and asked what color I was going to go next. She suggested pink since it is breast cancer awareness month and I could tell a story with my hair. Then she asked me about Ebola and if I was scared, then said that she hopes that she can finish up at the hospital in time for her to go and make the arrangements for her sister’s funeral. She finished our conversation (which was mostly one sided) with telling me that I will feel better soon, since “God is great.” So many things were going through my head, but I just smiled and nodded.

            First off, no, I won’t be dying my hair pink for breast cancer awareness month, nor will I be participating in any of the “Walk for a cure” events (even if I was able to walk without pain). No, I am not a curmudgeon (okay, maybe a little), but most of the overhead for such events goes towards administrative costs and fundraising functions. For example, one of the largest breast cancer charities, the American Breast Cancer Foundation (which sounds very official), takes in $959,635 from contributions, but only around half goes to supporting the cause, with the rest going to administrative costs and fundraising expenses. So, how much actually goes towards "finding a cure?"

           I think that we are all aware of the diseases and various causes that crop up each month, which makes awareness campaigns idiotic. Who doesn't know that hitting people or bullying them is wrong or that breast cancer is bad? Do we really need to have campaigns for these causes? People just blindly contribute to charities, without thinking or doing research. PETA is another example of a company that people like to donate to, but if you dig into the business practices, you will see that they actually kill more animals than they claim to help. My point is, do your research and don't just jump at the latest craze or campaign. Sure, donate, but do it wisely. Be informed. Seek out information rather than being lazy and just accepting what you are told by the media talking heads, as they all have agendas, which mainly center around fear tactics and propaganda. Don't buy into it. You have a brain for a reason...USE IT!