Mccalmon has right vision in 49th District

As a medical social worker, I am excited by Thearse Mccalmon, candidate in the 49th state Senate District. Social workers are essential in the medical setting because we address the social determinants of health that prevent patients from effectively managing chronic illnesses and accessing quality health care they deserve.

Social determinants of health include socioeconomic status, education, employment, housing, access to social supports and food security. Addressing social determinants of health produces better health outcomes for patients and prevents hospital readmissions.

Mccalmon's vision directly addresses these factors. She has plans to make health care affordable for all New Yorkers, address housing inequities and wage inequities. When people struggle to make ends meet, are locked out of good, affordable health care, and experience food and housing insecurity, their health conditions are not prioritized. Indeed, they can't be prioritized if going to the doctor costs too much money, if they have no way to get there, if they are working several jobs to make ends meet. How would they have the time to find a doctor, let alone get themselves to one? Too often, people wind up in the emergency department because of a health crisis. Chronic illnesses can be better managed by primary care doctors if the barriers people experience in getting to one are mitigated or do not exist.

Mccalmon has worked in the nursing profession and in education. She has raised four children and been a longtime activist on these same issues. She is committed to working for all New Yorkers. I am voting for her; I hope others join me.

Amanda Brazee Niskayuna