Storytelling is one of the most important tools we have in the fight to advance and strengthen America’s health care. With Congress focused on critical spending decisions, we must continue to ensure that our Members of Congress prioritize hospitals and the patients whose lives are impacted by potential cuts to care. Policymakers need to hear stories from real people – advocates like you – who rely on hospital care.
Hundreds of advocates have shared their stories with the Coalition, and we want to highlight a few that show the incredible impact that quality hospital care has on patients and communities.
These stories in particular focus on the importance of access to care in rural communities, where over 30% of hospitals are at risk of closing – and nearly 150 have closed since 2010 alone. Many are forced to travel far for quality, emergency care. As Congress continues to debate cuts to Medicare and so-called “site-neutral” policies, rural communities feel the effects of these decisions more than anywhere else in the U.S.
“I live in the Panhandle of Idaho and have been a patient at [my local hospital] for surgery twice. The care provided by the nurses kept me aware of what was taking place and what I could expect during surgery. They were [kind] and knowledgeable and much appreciated since before the first surgery I had never been in that situation before. The doctor each time came to talk with me and explain what he would do and why. After my operation the doctor visited me again to see how I felt and if I had any questions… Living in a rural area, it is imperative that hospital care is not cut back nor denied to anyone who needs it… Bottom line: do not cut hospital care and funding. My life is threatened as well as the lives of every other person in the country.” – Kay M., Hope, Idaho
“Our rural hospital is only a short distance from where I live. When I woke up at 5 with the worst headache I had ever had I went to the ER there and they were wonderful. They gave me medicine and [transferred] me to a large hospital 120 miles from here. I had a brain-bleed stroke. I would not have made it had we not had a hospital with an ER here. I am so thankful for our hospital. We have had problems keeping our hospital. I’m so thankful that we have been able to keep the hospital.” – Janice T., Crockett, TX
“All my life I’ve been afraid of hospitals and doctors, so I never went. Then I turned 65 and developed a serious infection in my foot. Only because of the great care and concern of the hospital and doctors I found am I able to say I’m healing now. I’ll be forever thankful to them, and never afraid again.” – Mary S., Vine Grove, KY
Hospitals and health systems provide quality, life-saving care 24/7, 365 days a year. The stories that emerge from hospitals across the country are remarkable and inspiring, showing the best of humanity.
If hospital care has made an impact on your life, share your story here.