The recent H1N1 extravaganza is a wake-up call for social justice and health equality in Red Deer, and the rest of Canada.
The response to this health issue was not equitable and accessible to all Albertans.
How many Red Deer citizens could afford to stand in line for five or more hours?
Although Alberta Health Services failed to maintain their values and goals, the community’s compassion has proven to be an example by which AHS should follow, learn and improve from.
Applause should be given to the compassionate souls who traded places with the elderly in lineups so they did not have to stand out in the cold, those who brought an extra coffee to give to a stranger, or diffused anxious situations in lineups.
If the community can find the strength to be compassionate and fight for equality, why does Alberta Health Services fail to do so?
Where were you in the line, Dr. Stephen Duckett (CEO of Alberta Health Services)?
Where were you when basic health equality was looking to be upheld? Where were you?
Erin Konsmo
Red Deer