Vonda's Vlog

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.

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.

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/

My zigzag from Oklahoma through Missouri, Iowa, and to Minnesota was a much longer trip than anticipated. The last forty-five minutes was less than safe, due to my fatigue. In this vlog, I acknowledge how this is akin to delivering safe care for others. Will you join me in uniting for safe care? Start by making a course-correcting plan when you know you've been less than safe in a responsibility.

Learn more here: https://patientsafetymovement.org/unite-for-safe-care/home/

Today, I returned to the red rocks of Sedona (AZ) and reflected upon the trip Yogiraj and I took there several years ago. It was sooooooo good. 

Traveling solo is great, but I admit to a degree of extra caution without beloved Yogiraj by my side. In both scenarios though, it's interesting to consider an actual verses perceived danger. 

People are going to extraordinary lengths to ensure that everyone who delivers, receives and supports medical care can do so safely. I joined Dr. David Mayer, his wife Cathy, and two more safety awareness advocates (Lisa and Barbara) for a walk from the American Family Fields to Peoria stadiums in Pheonix, AZ. Dave and several others are walking 125 miles over ten days, raising donations and awareness to support everyone influencing and influenced by medical care. My pals Marty and Tracy are walking in Chicago and on Peletrons. I could go on!

May every person's mile lead us closer to zero preventable medical harm - which helps absolutely everyone!

Do you walk, bike or run? You can make your miles matter for medical safety here. 

Check out the press about Dave's Epic Walk

As I zigzag across the U.S.A., this House of Representatives gallery pass keeps my purpose for doing so in my line of sight. What I hear from people I interview and the people hosting me along the way will inform what I say to congressional leaders in September. 

What is most important to you as recipients, deliverers, and supporters of medical care? 

New plan! New needs! Thank goodness for my current capacity to go with the flow easily. I will now head toward Denver via Pheonix rather than Salt Lake City, thanks to dear friends willing to host me in an environment where I can isolate. Go team Zigzag! Follow my Zigzag by clicking on the picture below:

I Count For Safe Medical Care. You Can Count Too. Donate $1 for every person you know who has experienced medical harm and/or is prioritizing medical safety.