2009. The world as we knew it had changed in ways that we hadn’t fully grasped. Small business owners began to see these impacts in real time and rebuild on the foundation of a shattered economy. Uncertainty reigned. Inequities abounded. People suffered.

Does this seem weirdly familiar to you, too?

As we write this post we’re aware that we’re addressing so many who have been called to care, or who work in support of those in caregiving roles. This month, we’re offering our heartfelt thanks. And, if you can take the time, a moment of respite.

This month we interview Sheila Delaney Moroney from Hennepin Healthcare: “what inspired me was my own experience as the daughter of a doctor: anyone in our family was able to receive exceptional care with just with a phone call. I want everyone to have that access when they need it.”

On Friday, January 17 - the Friday before the long MLK weekend - I spoke to 8th grade students for Career Day at Traverse City West Middle School, introducing them to design as a profession. The first class started at 7:40am, and at 25-minute intervals I presented to a total of 5 groups of kids until the half day assignment ended.

Talk about a design challenge …

For clients who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, we know that stable, safe housing is key to achieving and maintaining health. And yet, in so many cases, the only place where the housing and healthcare systems intersect is in the homeless client's experience.

So how can we, in our day to day work, address this most critical of issues for those most in need? The answer is surprisingly simple: talk to them.

In our November 2019 post, we reviewed and summarized the first sections of Zeev Neuwirth’s book “Reframing Healthcare, A Roadmap for Creating Disruptive Change.” This set the stage for the broad scope of work that can - indeed, must - be done in order to shift the current healthcare paradigm. This month, we review the design aspects of the book in more detail.

A review of a groundbreaking book by Zeev Neuwirth, MD “Healthcare outcomes in the US are, at best, mediocre compared to other developed nations in the world. But we have the ability—right now—to unleash the tremendous value that’s currently locked up in our healthcare system, and to deliver the type of healthcare we all expect and deserve.”

Normally in this blog post we write about the experience of providers, patients and families as they work together to return to health and daily activity. But when this is no longer an option, the end-of-life experience can also be one of learning, empowerment, compassion and love. This month, we make observations about our family’s recent experience with Hospice. This one’s dedicated to you, Pop.