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. 

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.

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. 

It takes me quite a bit of time to stay organized as I Zigzag For Zero across the USA, especially during a pandemic. I do my very best to keep others and myself as safe as possible. Here's a quick peek inside the papers I accumulate and the bags I carry.

The last few days took an unanticipated turn. Thank goodness for professionals who stay current on safety practices in their fields. A special thanks to Roto-Rooter and people who know when to call in the experts. 

I ask people I'm interviewing about the life of Yogiraj Charles Bates three questions:

1. What's a favorite memory you have of Yogiraj?

2. Before Yogiraj died in 2012, did you know that medical errors contribute to harm and death? 

3. At your next medical appointment, whether you are a clinician, patient, or care supporter, can you imagine saying something like this (in your own words):

I'm committed to uniting with you to make this medical care safe. Please let me know what I can do to help us prioritize safety.

Here are several links to give you ideas on how to ensure that prioritizing the safe delivery of medical care impacts patients, clinicians, and the loved ones of everyone. 

https://patientsafetymovement.org/patient-safety-events/uniteforsafecare-virtual-event/

https://donate.patientsafetymovement.org/team/306416

These long walks of 5-8 miles each day have an added benefit of igniting new ideas. Today, I imagined engaging writers and actors on popular hospital and clinic television shows to host the upcoming Unite For Safe Care virtual event. It would be a great PSA from entertainers about the importance of understanding the 'real-life' issues related to delivering, receiving, and supporting safe medical care. Does anyone know these influencers? Shoot me an email if you do, please. [email protected]

Also, there are now over 460 people walking to #uniteforsafecare. Check out this Washington Post article published today.  

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/07/29/pandemic-hasnt-slowed-patient-safety-advocates-quest-walk-every-mlb-ballpark/