Vonda's Vlog

It's been six months since I departed Temecula, CA for my Zigzag For Zero. Dozens of interviews and vlogs later, I've come full circle. There is a bit of catch up to do here for the vlog. Stay tuned over the next week. For now, take a peek at this gorgeous arrival at dawn.

After the completion of a big event, it's time for something completely different. Thanks to my son's partner Maren I had an opportunity to work at a distance in a community garden here in Lowel. Check out Mill City Grows if you are in the area or curious. 

While drawing attention to healthcare safety in D.C. I spoke with Senator Harris' office about the need for a National Patient Safety Board. Listen in to my side of the call. 

Six months ago (almost to the day) I departed SoCal for DC. Today, I head out on the final leg of this Zigzag For Zero toward DC. It's nearly unbelievable. 

Over 80 people dropped in for my daylong Zigzag birthday. The conversations were illuminating and have certainly given me a lot to ponder during my 54th year. I'll be posting several segments on the Zigzag YouTube channel over the next few weeks. The first one is already there, an inside look at what it has taken to produce the Unite For Safe Care event. 

During the day I modeled transparency, invited peer review, and heralded the Unite For Safe Care campaign, which has developed over 30 plans of action to ensure that every person who delivers or receives health care around the globe can do so safely. Please consider one or two simple things you can do now to prioritize safe medical care in your own life or that of a loved one. 

1. Pay tribute to someone you know who has experienced unsafe medical care or advocates for safe care.
2. RSVP for an inspiring program that broadcasts September 17th.
3. Learn more about how to be safe when you receive or deliver medical care.
4. Make a donation to help us ensure that safe medical care is prioritized everywhere.
5. Light up orange for World Patient Safety Day, September 17th.
6. Call your local media outlet and ask them to cover this critical topic for public health.
7. Call your legislators and ask them to prioritize medical safety by supporting a National Patient Safety Agency.

As I Zigzag through the Chicago area I'll be celebrating my 54th birthday. And, you are invited. I've curated a daylong program that is all open to the public. It's not all about me this year - I'm highlighting amazing people I get to love, work with, and learn alongside.  You'll find the official invitation here. 

Events start at 7:00a on Tuesday, September 8th and run on the hour until midnight, via Zoom. Register here.

This is a pivot point on my Zigzag For Zero. After a few days cavorting with the trees and critters, it's time to turn east. Rockford, Chicago, Cleveland, D.C., and Boston here I come. 

Taking a less than direct path - even an inefficient one - often brings unanticipated and pleasant surprises. 

As I reach the halfway point zigzagging from CA to D.C. to raise awareness about the need for safer medical care delivery, I'm stopping in WI for some much-needed rest and relaxation. This is one of my favorite spots on the planet. 

What does safety mean to you? I welcome your thoughts on this subject. As I hiked the Ice Age Trail in Central Wisconsin with Carin Mizera last weekend, I mused aloud about what I've come to understand as a world's cry for safety.