Beyond the Headlines

One name we will never forget: Katrina.

But the will to survive by man has proven to be more powerful. No matter how hard Katrina tried with the floods she created or the damage caused by the winds, by fallen trees, she could not break us. The survivors of Hurricane Katrina — and of Hurricanes Rita and Wilma — will rebuild their lives, their homes and their businesses. They will return even stronger than before to prove to the world that the American spirit can never be broken.

Disaster, in our country or wherever it may occur, always brings out the best in Americans. Whether it is a tsunami or earthquakes, fires or floods, our citizens always open their hearts and pocketbooks to the victims. This time, the disaster that hit New Orleans, Mobile and the surrounding area was unprecedented, but the response by our people was even greater.

I am very proud of our fellow countrymen.

In particular, the response of the HME providers in and about the affected areas was superb. They gave it their all. They tried to help every one of their patients and others in need who could be reached. These efforts were driven by love, by care and by concern.

There is no reward commensurate with the efforts of our industry. But we are satisfied by what providers have done and can only express our appreciation with a simple “thank you.”

Comments on the Storm

The spirit of cooperation by every American that took place after Hurricane Katrina struck the entire Mississippi, Alabama and Florida coastline is what we should all remember. Let us now put aside the petty passing of blame or seeking who is responsible and making this a political football. That’s all wrong. We Americans rolled up our sleeves, and water, food and assistance was sent just as soon as vehicles could get there.

No one could ever, in his or her wildest nightmare, realize the total destruction wrought by Katrina. Yes, the New Orleans levees proved insufficient. However, look how many attempts it took for the Netherlands, particularly Amsterdam, to be able to construct the proper protection. All below sea level, these areas suffered through merciless storms and massive floods that completely inundated the entire area, created much havoc and killed many people. But the Netherlands and Amsterdam rebuilt and persevered — and so will we.

Today Amsterdam is one of the premier ports in Europe, the economic center for many major industries and a famous tourist destination. I think we will see in a very short period that New Orleans will be bigger and better than ever as will the rest of the ravaged area.

I am looking forward to that rebirth.

Comments on the Headlines

Headline news: “Woman indicted in $10 million wheelchair scam.”

When politicians and lay people see a headline of this nature, all DME/HME providers are looked upon as being dishonest. This is the furthest thing from the truth. I will not say that we as an industry are 100 percent without any blemish. But I will say without a doubt, our profession is probably the least contaminated by dishonesty. Yet we seem to be besmirched with a reputation for fraud and abuse.

Not fair!

The country has just been subjected to a series of hurricanes that have done more damage than one can imagine but, in everything I read or hear, I see no commendations for home care providers who performed in such fashion that they saved many lives.

Oxygen, wheelchairs and a multitude of services for which they probably will never be reimbursed were all provided because they were needed. Service above and beyond when it was required was given.

Our congressmen and newspapers need to understand that a home medical equipment provider is more than just another businessperson. Home care providers are a bulwark of support in the communities they serve.

Sheldon “Shelly” Prial is based in Melbourne, Fla., with Prial Consulting and also serves as the director of government relations for Atlanta-based Graham-Field Health Products. In 1987, he founded the Homecare Providers Co-Op, now part of The VGM Group. He can be reached by e-mail at [email protected] or by phone at 321/255-3885.