Guaranteed Healthcare

Watched Bill Moyer's Journal's story about and interviews with CNA leadership. I applaud CNA and your national network of nurses' organizations efforts to advocate on behalf of all Americans for a truly universal healthcare system. You are making a huge difference on all the patient issues you represent. Your fight for national healthcare that will cover all Americans demonstrates proven results and success in many states, as does your fight against the criminal activities of insurance companies.

As a military veteran, I am blessed by the care of the very type of a universal healthcare system for which you fight. IF the US Veterans Administration's healthcare was adequately funded, it could become the system for which you advocate. I receive no-cost excellent care and free prescription medications at the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System in St. Petersburg, FL. Other vets with larger incomes pay reasonable co-payments.

However, I have witnessed, especially in the mental healthcare's outpatient and inpatient services, a dire lack of staff which causes long delays for psychiatrist and therapist appointments. Currently, the overwhelming caseloads of all physicians cost Iraq and Afghan vets the immediate quality care they need, as they come home in crisis from delibilatating physical injuries and mental trauma. We all watched the unconscionable conditions of vets' treatment and facilities at Walter Reed Army Hospital and military hospitals across the nation. Active military personnel have been punished for seeking needed care.

I hope your national organization will fight on behalf of veterans as well. You may already be doing this! I have written to my senators and House representative (ironically, he is C. W. Bill Young) about these issues. I wish you continued success. You are fighting for all of us! You will prevail!