Vonda's Vlog

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.

After weeks of reconnection (at a distance) in the Twin Cities of Minnesota, it's time to zigzag north. The Duluth Superior area is hiking heaven. 

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/

Inspired by Dr. David Mayer, who is walking across the United States to every professional baseball field, I took an 11-mile walk through Minneapolis. Did you know there are over 40 miles of connected parkways from Minneapolis to St. Paul, MN? This is just one reason I love this city. The people are my primary reason! I am looking forward to introducing several to you.

While I'm on this leg of the Zigzag For Zero, I'll be conducting several interviews, including family members who will speak to their experiences with Yogiraj. Stay tuned. 

Want to make my miles count for safe care? Your pledge would mean a lot!

https://pledge.charitymiles.org/pages/a8b8c713-dd45-4354-a67f-0792dc1725b7

While preparing for a longer walk, it's great to get out for five or so miles nearly every day. In the city of Minneapolis, along the miles of green space, I find myself at home. Though this is not the city of my birth, it is the place that sparked my creativity as an adult. Today, I am out on a walk with beloved Theodore Charles Bates III, who is Yogiraj's beloved middle son. 

Being honest about errors is not easy. And, it is a critically important skill to prevent the repetition of errors. So, modeling this myself is a high priority. This follows up on my confession posted here on the vlog two days ago.

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/

Goodbye cows. Goodbye family members of origin and my birth state. 

Thank you, to all who sat down for interviews with me. I learned about Oklahoma's healthcare and insurance. Check out one of the interviews here. 

And, my nieces showed me a gosh-darned great time!  One of them also granted me an interview. I'm editing a very sweet conversation about crushes. ;-)