Turning Problems into Opportunities
Often times the best opportunities are usually disguised as unsolvable problems.
2008 has brought to our collective attention many seemingly unsolvable problems. Those of us who spend much of our lives advocating for the poor have seen the cry for help increase at an alarming rate…especially from folks who have never sought help before. Many people who were recently laid off from their employers are now beginning to experience the reality of living without a regular pay check and health insurance. It is scary and very sobering to find yourself in this condition after being self sufficient for many years. Unfortunately, most economists are predicting that this situation will only get worse in the months/years ahead.
Lack of access to quality mental health services, health and health care programs, affordable insurance, good paying jobs with benefits, quality education, affordable housing, dependable and affordable transportation, safe and drug free neighborhoods, culturally competent services/programs and access to convenient grocery stores with fresh fruits and vegetables seems like unsolvable problems for many of our residents in today’s world.
2009 is the time for bold leadership in order to turn these seemingly unsolvable problems into great opportunities. Local, state and federal government, business, religious, education, nonprofit, ethnic, neighborhood, philanthropic and community leaders must work together. As we near the inauguration of our new President, we are hopeful that he will provide the leadership needed as we work toward turning unsolvable problems into great opportunities.
2008 has brought to our collective attention many seemingly unsolvable problems. Those of us who spend much of our lives advocating for the poor have seen the cry for help increase at an alarming rate…especially from folks who have never sought help before. Many people who were recently laid off from their employers are now beginning to experience the reality of living without a regular pay check and health insurance. It is scary and very sobering to find yourself in this condition after being self sufficient for many years. Unfortunately, most economists are predicting that this situation will only get worse in the months/years ahead.
Lack of access to quality mental health services, health and health care programs, affordable insurance, good paying jobs with benefits, quality education, affordable housing, dependable and affordable transportation, safe and drug free neighborhoods, culturally competent services/programs and access to convenient grocery stores with fresh fruits and vegetables seems like unsolvable problems for many of our residents in today’s world.
2009 is the time for bold leadership in order to turn these seemingly unsolvable problems into great opportunities. Local, state and federal government, business, religious, education, nonprofit, ethnic, neighborhood, philanthropic and community leaders must work together. As we near the inauguration of our new President, we are hopeful that he will provide the leadership needed as we work toward turning unsolvable problems into great opportunities.
About Me
Steve Roling
President/CEO
Steve Roling is the President/CEO of the Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City. Each week he blogs about issues that inspire him as we work toward eliminating barriers to quality health.
Comments
We have faith that the new President will not only address the healthcare issues in the States, he will also finally restore this country's image in the international community!
Great point Steve! This economy is scary for many people… but especially the low income folks living in poverty. People living in poverty depend on available resources… and that pool of resources is shrinking by the day. Maybe the realization of those previously living in middle class that times are hard for everyone will bring more awareness of the fact that times are especially hard for those surviving poverty! I am beyond excited for Tuesday... Obama was voted in on a platform of change and hope and I like others feel he is more than able to lead this country! This is a significant paradigm shift in how we think about America. However, it is also the responsibility of every day citizens to be responsive to Obama and his leadership...to show that we, as Americans, are able to put into action our desire for a different world. I hope this economic crisis is a wake up call in more ways that one. We need to be aware of how this affects us all...and what all of us can do about it!!!!
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