Video

A USC Broadcast student's blog and video:

http://inglewoodoilfield.blogspot.com/

On the video you'll see Gary--a very active resident I work with a lot--and Damon, an attourney that is representing CHC in a lawsuit against the county and has also come to a lot of meetings, etc. They are both also involved in the group I organized to address oil issues all over LA, not just in Baldwin Hills.

Nailing it

Last Saturday night I majorly stubbed my toe. Big toenail bent backwards halfway. Blood all over my foot and shoe. Sunday morning I had a little crisis about going to the doctor because 1) I have not attended one in awhile 2) I have not used my current insurance--but my roommates have and say it is not great and really hard to find a doctor on the plan, etc. 3) I work at an organization really active in the crisis of quality health care in South LA and I wonder if there are any competent podiatrists around here 4) And I've seen Michael Moore's Sicko 3 times

So I have a mini crisis in my head first about myself--trying to figure out what to do (two of my roommates thought I could take care of it myself, without a doctor), where to go if I did go to a doctor, what my insurance covered and what I wanted to pay, etc. And then, since I am such a big-picture person, I have mini crisis in my head about the state of healthcare in general-- in America/in South LA.

It was just an awful thing to have to worry about. And I only had a small little problem with my toenail. I can't imagine having a worse problem and having to navigate "the system." I am so proud of those at my organization that help the non-insured and underinsured navigate the mess of providers and hospitals and insurance and state programs.

I hope and pray that in the near future will come: changes in healthcare at the Federal level and new pairs of CLOSED-TOE shoes.

(BTW: I found a podiatrist that was on my plan in nearby Culver City--I am now pain free and alomst back to normal.)

Learning

I completed a First Aid/CPR class that happened over the course of the last two Tuesdays.

The instructor opened the class with the questions: "Who has called 911? Who has called 911 and gotten through?"

I've never called 911, but this was news to me that one could call 911 and not get through. Is it like this everywhere?

After class I mentioned my surprise to my co-worker that organized the class. She has lived within five miles her whole life--all around my current residence and our office.

"They don't come, it's true! They just don't come." My co-worker went on to say something to the effect of: "That's why we need to educate ourselves and create these resources within our own community, to help ourselves...because outside help doesn't come."

She told me about the various serious incidents the area has experienced in her lifetime: the Rodney King riots, the Baldwin Hills arson fire on La Brea, the Northridge earthquake. In all cases, not receiving adequate government support. For example, she told me how in the riots the police from South LA were sent to Beverly Hills to protect looting from happening there instead of trying to restore peace in South LA!

The instructor's lesson to us was to have the local police station numbers in our cell phones, in addition to 911....

Reflection

This month's EUIP E-News with reflection by me.

Through the above link, I belive you can sign up to be on the mailing list and receive reflections from my roommates too.