Many thanks to the thirty people who volunteered to donate blood at the blood drive on November 13. Twenty-five units of blood were collected, and that is just fantastic. What a wonderful way to help others!

The topic this month is MOST important for anyone entering a hospital or out-patient treatment facility.

Speak Up!

This is the title of a campaign initially launched by JCAHO (Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations), Medicare, and Medicaid Services.

This movement urges individuals to become active, involved, and informed members of their own health care teams. Here are some ways to do this:

• Speak up with any questions or concerns.
• Pay attention to the care being received.
• Obtain additional information about diagnosis, tests and treatment options.
• Ask a trusted person to be an advocate.
• Know the names of prescribed medications and the reasons for taking them.
• Use health care organizations that have been evaluated against established standards.
• Participate in all decisions concerning personal treatment.

The idea behind this campaign is to raise public awareness of what individuals can do to help prevent medication mistakes. This is a problem that requires the effort of all people at all levels within the healthcare system.

Do not be afraid to SPEAK UP and ask questions about prescribed medications, the reason for the medication, and the possible side effects. Be an informed consumer, especially when personal health is involved.