This afternoon Wendell Potter gave a keynote speech entitled
Myths and Misconceptions About the New Health Care Law
He spoke at the Bristol Public Library.
Tomorrow he speaks in Kingsport, Tennessee at the Dobyns-Bennett Little Theater from 2:30 to 5:00. Wendell Potter is a former corporate public relations director for insurance giant Cigna that experienced a life changing experience after visiting a Remote Area Medical clinic in Wise, Virginia.
Remote Area Medical clinics provide free medical services to the uninsured. Often thought of as services provided to the third world, such services are now badly needed here in Appalachia.
Born and raised in Mountain City and Kingsport, Tennessee, Wendell Potter saw hundreds of his former neighbors waiting overnight and in long lines to obtain desperately needed medical attention, often in the same areas where livestock are displayed at the Wise County Fairgrounds.
His observations led to a crisis of conscience that ultimately resulted in resigning his position as head of communications at one of the largest health insurers and to become an advocate for meaningful health care reform. He has testified before Congress and is the author of a book "Deadly Spin"due out in November.
If you live on the Tennessee/ Virginia border your Sunday afternoon would be well spent attending this event. Elsewhere you may be able to catch up with Wendell as he tours with his book in November.
Carina
