By Tim Dempsey

 

President Greg Hill opened the meeting with Doug Fendon giving the pledge, Rich Schoeneman leading us in prayer, and in honor of the 9/11 tragedy in 2001, Dennis Kratohwil sang “God Bless America”. Darryl Fisher was introduced as a guest of Ron Lapins.

 

-Brad Gutzler got married!

 

-Doug Fendon bought a new home in Arizona last week.

 

-Teri Dreher will receive her new Cavalier King Charles puppy from an Arizona breeder on 10/7.

 

-A representative from Ageless Aviation thanked us for our support. They are doing 600 flights this year!

 

-The board approved a Global Grant for South Africa.

 

-The District will conduct Board training on 10/19.

 

-Pumpkin Fest will be on 10/19 this year.

 

-Charley Dougherty. A longtime member of the Club and Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Libertyville , passed away at age 90.

 

Dennis Kratohwil conducted the Heads or Tails game.

 

Today’s speaker was our own Teri Dreher, telling us about Patient Advocacy. Teri describes herself as a social justice person. She is a professional patient advocate. Patients are no longer central to the healthcare system.  Seniors need but may not be able to afford advocacy.  Teri has started a non - profit advocacy group to help those who cannot afford her services. The healthcare system is fragmented. ER docs spend less than 5 minutes per patient.  Patients need a cross between a nurse, lawyer and pit bull.

 

 10,000 people turn 65 every day. By 2029 those over 85 will double in number.  28% of those over 65 live alone. These are the senior orphans. They are often marginalized and get little or no support. There is a bias against older people. Because of ageism, people drop through the cracks. Teri’s new group will do pro bono work with those who cannot afford an advocate.  They will coach patients after a hospital stay working through churches and other groups.

 

The Northshore Senior Center will have a conference on advocacy October 3 -5. Hospitals are merging. “Go big or go home”. They operate on a 3 - 4% margin. They must be business savvy. Hospitals are cutting costs. Medical errors are the 3^rd largest cause of deaths in the U.S. The AMA is supporting advocacy.  Better patient care should not be for legal reasons. Seniors need an advocate. Healthcare will continue to be screwed up!

 

-Daily: $28 won by yours truly.

 

-Progressive: $278 (43 cards). Teri Dreher drew the ace of diamonds. Rollover!

 

Greeter & Prayer: Rick Mittelman

 

Fun & Frolics: Ron Lapins

 

Program: Megan Van Treeck – Passion & Purpose

 

“Ability is the art of getting credit for all the home runs somebody else hits”. – Casey Stengel