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Letters to the editor

The following are letters to the editor that appeared in the Dec. 30 print edition of The Herald. To submit a letter, e-mail editor@puyallupherald.com. Please keep letters submissions to 250 words.

Representative Dawn Morrell is willing to fight hard for what she believes is right

I was dismayed to read the negative remarks recently published regarding Representative Dawn Morrell. The idea that Representative Morrell is unconcerned about health care costs or is swayed by big-profit hospitals to do anything other than what she believes is best for patients is absolutely absurd.

I have had the pleasure of working with Representative Morrell on an issue important to many communities throughout Washington over the last several years. I have found her to be an incredibly passionate Legislator. She is willing to fight hard for what she believes in and to do what it takes to ensure that issues that will result in increasing access, improving quality, and decreasing costs of health care are dealt with head on. Regardless of the level or magnitude of opposition, she marches on, determined to do the right thing.

This year, due to her long commitment and courageous leadership in the Legislature, cardiac patients in eight Washington communities – including East Pierce County – are now allowed to receive life saving cardiac procedures at their own local community hospital. This will not only improve access and save lives, but it will also reduce unnecessary costs and duplication. This was truly a David vs. Goliath victory – with Goliath being the big health systems with the monopoly on these procedures. Representative Morrell knew that breaking this monopoly was the best thing for patients, was needed to improve outcomes and would drive down the price of this vital but costly procedure in Washington. She was a true champion for patients and hospitals across the state and has proven to many that with passion and commitment, real needs can be addressed.

This is but one example of the real, meaningful changes that Rep. Morrell is already bringing to healthcare in our State. Just imagine what that level of passion and commitment can bring to the healthcare reform discussions.

Jody Carona, Health Facilities Planning & Development