|
Sue Lani Madsen,
AIA, EMT
Sue Lani Madsen is an Edwall based
architect, rancher, volunteer EMT, and Candidate for
State Representative, 7th District.
|
Organizations And Associations Matter
Our
organizations and associations do matter. The Washington
Rural Health Association (WRHA) has had a profound
impact on my life, drawing me into public health policy
issues that I never imagined would burn with such
passion. I want to thank the Washington Rural Health
Association for the opportunity to serve on the Board
and for the honor of serving as your President. WRHA
provides a voluntary structure for all the voices of
rural health to speak up, to disagree, and to work
towards consensus for the good of our communities.
Voluntary philanthropic and
charitable associations are a long established American
phenomenon, first noted by Alexis de Tocqueville over
170 years ago. In the book “Who Really Cares?” by Arthur
C. Brooks, Mr. Brooks states:
“When Alexis de Tocqueville
visited the United States in 1835, he found a spirit of
volunteerism and charity unlike anything he had
encountered before. In his classic book Democracy in
America Tocqueville marveled at America’s many civic
associations, which were supported through voluntary
gifts of time and money.”
Rural health care has always
relied on both. Washington state in general and rural
Washington in particular have an unusually high
percentage of care delivered through public hospital
districts and faith based non-profit health care
institutions. These institutions are foundations of
their communities. People have a sense of ownership
through either locally adopted taxes or private
donations. There is a great deal of pride and comfort in
having local healthcare in the community.
Rural communities express
this pride in tangible ways. Most local institutions
have private non-profit foundations to help support
their public missions. Volunteers provide hours of
service to help maintain facilities and care for
patients. Dinners, luncheons, health fairs and health
outreach all rely on committed volunteers. Thank you to
all those who unselfishly give of their time and talents
to support strong rural healthcare institutions and a
strong Washington Rural Health Association.
Back - News & Notes ♦
Table of Contents
♦
Next - Varicella & Diabetes
News For Washington |
