The 3rd Conversation is focused on bringing together disparate groups to connect as humans and explore how that relationship can be a source of power, healing, and fulfillment. In that vein, here are some items that piqued our interest or inspired us this week…
Despite being part of the first group recommended to receive COVID vaccines, primary care clinicians are still waiting. Many still do not yet know when their turn will come, or where they will be receiving the vaccine. As front-line clinicians, it is vital that primary care be prioritized – so they can continue playing their role in keeping patients out of hospitals and emergency rooms and serve as trusted representatives advocating for vaccine acceptance within the community.
The Community Connection Calls program in Wisconsin is one of many examples where volunteers are stepping up to help safely reach out and connect with individuals experiencing and struggling with social isolation during COVID. Loneliness has negative effects on both physical and mental health, especially among elderly adults. If you have a little extra time in your day, make your New Year’s resolution be to reach out to a family member, friend, neighbor, or consider volunteering for a similar phone outreach program near you.
Our parent organization, X4 Health, served as the facilitator helping to bring together these primary care organizations around a common vision for the future or primary care and the primary care payment structure. We agree with this participant: "Primary care physicians cannot adequately meet the needs of their communities if they remain shackled to payment schemes which reimburse for volume instead of value.”