What if.....?

The current gridlock in Congress about healthcare reform is yet another reminder that our system does not have the public's true health and wellness interests at the center. Is it really a healthcare system? Or a wealthcare system for insurance companies? What kind of reform will our current system need to ensure that everyone has access to quality, affordable healthcare? Is it possible? I certainly don't know the answers, and I'm not sure anyone does.

However, I am dreaming of an alternative system. What if we had community-based wellness centers that provided direct acess to education and prevention of chronic disease? What if such a center would value relationship over transaction? What if those centers were accessible to everyone, regardless of income? What if the services were MOST accessible to those who were the sickest, who needed the services most? What if the focus was on removing the root causes of symptoms, and helping the body heal naturally, with the smallest possible intervention? What if we all pitched in according to our income and ability to pay...for the sake of the health of the whole community? What if... ? What would you like to see? Will you dream with me? ... and help make it a reality?

In the words of my teacher, acupuncturist, and friend, Melora Scanlon, this is "a dream that wants to be dreamt through us."