Profit model isn’t working

Spokane prides itself on being a regional medical center. This is one reason we cannot allow Deaconess to close the Movement Disorder Clinic. Perhaps they could use some of the funds they granted to the foundation for community service.

Dr. Anthony Santiago, director, provides a unique and valuable service to some of our most vulnerable citizens. These are often people in walkers or wheelchairs, visible by their tremors, or the child yelling with Tourette’s syndrome. He carefully works with his clients, tailoring care to their individual needs. This allows people to regain partial good health and return to a more normal lifestyle. What an ultimate savings to our society, especially in expensive long-term care.

Deaconess has lulled us into thinking the for-profit form of medical care will work. Is this what happens to those less fortunate, those on Medicare and Medicaid, or unable to financially provide for themselves if it does not meet the bottom line?

It is incumbent upon this community to not let this happen. We will not feel the full impact of this loss for several years. Remember, Parkinson’s knows no stranger. None of us expected it to happen to our loved one.

Joanne Moyer

Spokane