SCI Network December 2004 Newsletter

Spinal Cord Injury Network

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SCI CONNECTOR December 2004

THE BENIFITS OF PEER MENTORING

By Brenda Gilmore SCI Life Consultant, RRTC on SCI: Promoting Health & Preventing Complications through Exercise

In one moment, the trauma of a spinal cord injury changes a person’s life. Nothing is like it was before. Things that you did without thinking or blinking an eye now cause exertion or can’t be done at all. This being the case with most SCI individuals, whether complete or incomplete, having a peer mentor is one of the best ways for newly injured individuals to learn how to live a full life with their new physical condition. The knowledge and experience shared by these active members of the SCI community is priceless.

I recall floundering around on my own for a couple of years after I was injured. And then I finally found an organization, the Spinal Cord Injury Network (SCIN) in the greater DC area, that taught me the value of peer mentors. Although I did not participate in an organized peer mentoring program, it was through SCIN that I found my first peer group – wheelchair tennis players. Watching and learning from wheelchair tennis players made all the difference in my perspective on life. Their positive attitude, the moral support they gave, and the questions they answered for me about my new world were more valuable than I could imagine. By sharing their experiences and techniques, I learned practical measures I could take to prevent secondary conditions like urinary tract infections and pressure sores. I watched them as they made easy transfers from their wheelchairs into their cars, movie theatre seats, and restaurant booths – things I never thought I would ever be able to do.

Just seeing someone else with a similar or even higher level injury accomplish these feats let me know that I had set the expectations for myself too low. I was inspired to trade my van in for a car, purchase a new, lighter, sportier model wheelchair, go to a restaurant and accept a booth for seating, and learn to pop wheelies off of curbs. The result? Higher self esteem, confidence, and a greater sense of accomplishment, among other things.

Now, as the SCI Life Consultant for RRTC on SCI, I have the opportunity to show and share my knowledge and experience with new SCI individuals, providing them with tips that will help smooth the path of their new life experiences. I will head a dedicated staff of peer mentors, and as a team, we will promote the peer mentor program and the value of exercise and physical activity in the prevention of secondary conditions. As peers, we will also provide needed information, and answer questions from patients and health care providers. In addition, we will facilitate and participate in group discussions, workshops, and special events held at the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington, DC and elsewhere, in an effort for the benefits of peer mentoring programs to gain a higher profile.

I have great expectations that the impact of the peer mentor program will continue at NRH beyond the end of this 5 year RRTC on SCI. After all, we thrive on raising expectations! For more information on the Peer Mentoring Program and peer mentors at the National Rehabilitation Hospital, please contact Brenda Gilmore, SCI Life Consultant to the RRTC, at Brendamailto:brenda.gilmore@medstar.net or call 202-877-1476.

MARYLAND HEALTHCARE PLAN CALLED MISGUIDED

By HealthCare For All

As you know, the Governor called the General Assembly together for a special holiday session to help physicians better afford their malpractice insurance. In the face of extremely high premium increases, some physicians have reportedly decided to close shop or eliminate seeing high-risk patients and others were considering such moves. While we remain neutral on tort reform proposals, we have always supported bills that increase access to health care. The final bill passed last week includes a key provision that will increase families' access to health care. It increases the reimbursement rates of those doctors who see Medical Assistance patients including all those children in the Maryland Children's Health Insurance Program.

Our Health Care for All! plan details why Medicaid reimbursement increases for physicians were necessary and were happy to see such increases in the medical malpractice reform bill. One Eastern Shore pediatrician, for example, told us that he had to send his patients to Baltimore for specialty treatment since no local pediatric specialist would see a Medicaid patient. Turns out, we heard similar things from many physicians who told us that extremely low Medicaid reimbursement reduced access to care. Under this bill, children and adults receiving care under the state’s HealthChoice program will have far greater access to their doctors. This bill is good for those families and good for the taxpayers who get hit in the wallet when people don't have ready access to health care.

BUT... Guess who intends to veto the bill? Could it be Governor Robert "Cuts" Ehrlich? If news reports are correct, the Governor will veto this bill early next week. We think that the General Assembly should override his veto and plan to go on record with such a response next week.

What can you do to help? Come to Annapolis to help us override the veto and increase access to care!
WHEN: Monday, January 10, 2005

TIME: 10 AM WHERE: St. Anne's Parish House, 199 Duke of Gloucester, Room 102, Annapolis, Maryland Mark your calendars! We have big news to share! On Wednesday, January 19, 2005 at 10 AM at Lawyers' Mall, Annapolis (right in front of the State House), we will have a media event to highlight the need for businesses to do their fair share when it comes to health care. You won't want to miss this event. We will have BIG news to share. So, mark it on your calendars for now and expect a call. We would love to have a BIG crowd to announce some BIG news!

We wish you and your families a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year. Thanks for all your past support. We cannot win health care for all without your participation, so thank you in advance for your help. The Maryland Health Care for All! Coaltion is a broad-based coalition of 1100 faith, labor, business and community groups that have been working to guarantee all Marylanders access to quality, affordable health care. To learn more, visit: http://www.healthcareforall.com Maryland Citizens' Health Initiative Health Care for All! Coalition 2600 St. Paul St Baltimore, MD 21218 410-235-9000 410-235-8963.

NSCIA LAUNCHES HALL OF FAME AT NATIONAL SUMMIT

The National Spinal Cord Injury Association (NSCIA) announces the Summit on Spinal Cord Injury and the Spinal Cord Injury Hall of Fame May 9-11, 2005 at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC.

The Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation and the Medtronic Foundation are co-sponsoring the event. The Kennedy Center Accessibility Program is co-sponsoring the Spinal Cord Injury Hall of Fame which will be held the evening of May 9, 2005 at the prestigious John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

A highlight of the Summit will be the first SCI Hall of Fame Inductee Ceremony to recognize leaders and organizations for their significant achievements in promoting positive awareness of and dedication to the needs, contributions and achievements of individuals following injury. This notable, well-publicized event will follow a concert at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage.

Nominations for the Hall of Fame must be received no later than February 23, 2004. See the NSCIA website for more information on the Summit and Hall of Fame, www.spinalcord.org. The SCI Summit and Hall of Fame have been designed as unique, high profile, media focus events. NSCIA is offering variety of sponsorship opportunities that provide high visibility throughout the events and in targeted follow up materials and venues. For more information on sponsorship, contact Eric Larson at 847-997-2109 or via email at elarson75@msn.com.

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