Over the last months, we have all heard, read and maybe taken part in the debate over health care reform.

Very recently, I was in the situation of needing to access emergency medical care on two separate occasions and subsequently, admission into Harrison Hospital in Bremerton for seven days.

We in Kitsap County are very fortunate and privileged to have accessibility to excellent fire/EMT/paramedic support. To the fire personnel of Kingston, I offer you my heartfelt grateful thanks. I cannot begin to express how relieved I felt knowing you were coming when 911 was called.

My husband and I are fortunate we have health insurance. I was the recipient of skilled and exemplary care at Harrison Hospital, Bremerton. Every single medical staff member treated me with great skill and care. All of us want that for our loved ones. I am healing as a result of that medical care. However, there are many in Kitsap County who are not as fortunate. This is not a left or right, Democratic or Republican issue. This is an issue concerning the care for all who are in pain, suffering and ill. In my eyes, there is no more time for bickering and debate on this issue. People are dying every day unnecessarily because of this lengthy debate. It is my hope we can view our health care needs as a moral issue. Every single American deserves to receive affordable excellent care. Period. We are the United States of America, not a third world country. Surely, we can do better.

If this were your parent, your child, or yourself, would you not want to know you or your family member would receive the medical attention you deserve? Please call or write our senators and congressional representatives. Urge them to pass good affordable health care reform for all Americans.

Connie Aurand

Indianola