Falling apart: Global

There is one more factor driving call volume. 

It is not the one that gives us the most extra calls, but it has such a pronounced impact in other ways that addressing it is important.

Of course I am referring to global warming.

Medicaid programs frequently have a program attached for flexible funding. It can be used when there is something that would be helpful for health but is not a medical procedure. Perhaps the medical procedure you need is only done at a few locations, none of them close. Flexible funding could provide for travel. Perhaps eating healthy meals would be more possible with a small investment in cookware.

Usually those applications are filled out by doctors, who are familiar with the individual medical needs so can speak to the risks and benefits. However, offices are backed up, and for a seasonal need there is a good chance that the patient would not be able to get in on time.

That is why we are submitting the requests for assistance with air conditioning.

That is not ideal. We can't give a real medical reason. Sometimes they may mention a condition where heat would have an impact, but really, if they see that they can get assistance with air conditioning or purifying, of course that sounds good. They will call, and we will put the request in.

The obvious driver there is that we live in an area where the climate was once milder. Housing is not set up for the new reality, especially older housing. It does get hotter now, and less predictably. That affects comfort, ability to do other things, and yes, health.

It is perhaps less obvious that if we go back to the original staffing shortages caused by COVID, that climate change may play a role in the spread of new diseases.

It's not the only factor. Certainly as habitat loss causes humans and non-humans to come closer together, that increases the risk of zoonotic diseases spreading, and air pollution can have a profound effect on lung health even without a rise in overall temperature. The point is that environmental health and individual health are connected.

If the medical industry got short-staffed with COVID, what will happen when you add monkeypox and polio to the mix?

Last week when I was asking the wrapping up questions, like "is your sense of well-being wrapped up in other people not having their needs met in demonstration of the fact that you are worth more?"... that felt like I might be going a little too hard too early. It still seemed necessary.

This series sort of started with how unbearable my job is right now. I am just one person, but the factors that make my life difficult affect many others, and they are tied in with other factors that affect more people, with an influence that will continue to grow.

That sounds dire, but it doesn't have to be. We can make things better, if we decide to.

Please. Not just for me.