Help needed for chronically ill
I see all the money the city has — over a $7 billion budget, and all the huge grants given out like candy by the state. Yet one need is clearly going unmet.
I have looked everywhere for a support group that aids older adults who have chronic health conditions, who often live alone and who still want to maintain their dignity, independence and a positive outlook.
Most people over the age of 60 have at least one chronic health condition.
I have talked to many. These issues often lead to isolation, anxiety, grief and depression. That becomes an expensive societal health burden. It can cost lives.
In over a year of searching, I have found only one related church group in the NE, one that has no budget and holds together by faith.
To my thinking, every large community hub in NE Philly should have a chronic illness group. Churches would seem an ideal place of welcome. Instead — crickets. You are all failing us.
Maybe the city is allergic to supporting or funding anything connected to a “church.” Maybe NE Philly seniors are now invisible, seen only as cash cows to be milked for property taxes until we pass on.
Many of us have given a lifetime of work in contribution to this city. It would be nice to get a little something back. City Council seems to show more concern for illegal aliens than they do for us.
If any reader knows of a local chronic condition support group or any organization planning to start one, please let me know. I’m at [email protected]. I know several people who would sincerely like to join.
Richard Iaconelli
Rhawnhurst
Teachers union owns Josh Shapiro
Shapiro showed his true colors with his first budget when he pulled school choice out of it. He ran his campaign with the tease of school choice but changed his mind when he had to step up to the plate. He is bought and owned by the teachers union. The Educational Choice for Children Act is funded by the federal government and he will probably kowtow to the teacher’ union again to the detriment of Pennsylvania students.
Richard Donofry
East Torresdale
