Veto hurt lifesaving systems of care
Did you know a ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction is more commonly known as the “widow maker” and is the deadliest form of a heart attack one can experience? As a STEMI heart attack survivor, I know firsthand how improved systems of care can save a life when the blood supply to the heart is suddenly blocked.
Senate Bill 80, sponsored by Sen. Howie Morales, D-Silver City, and supported by the American Heart Association, was vetoed by Gov. Susana Martinez (“Gov. shoots down renewable energy measures,” April 7). Senate Bill 80 was the last step in completing the system of care for STEMI heart attack patients across New Mexico and would have encouraged local and regional emergency medical services authorities to work in coordination with the Department of Health to create triage and transport protocols for those who suffer from a STEMI.
I am one of the fortunate few who survived that event, and I attribute that to the speed, efficiency and quality of the professional and personal care I received. That’s why I’m very concerned about Gov. Martinez’s veto of a lifesaving bill, especially because SB 80 passed through the Legislature unanimously. The survival of other patients who suffer an acute event — often with little or no chance to get the help they need because health facilities, agencies and professionals aren’t collaborating as closely as they should to provide the best care. Poor communication is the greatest enemy of the unity we need in our health community.
Many acute care hospitals in New Mexico still lack the necessary staff and equipment to effectively treat stroke and heart attack patients. To remedy this life-or-death problem, I urge Gov. Martinez to help New Mexico do more to protect the lives of thousands of residents by recognizing the importance of strong systems of care to treat stroke and STEMI heart attacks and ensure that care is delivered as promptly as possible.
Stroke and STEMI continue to kill thousands of New Mexicans and remain some of the nation’s costliest diseases. To fight back against this growing health concern, Gov. Martinez must make lifesaving systems of care a priority.
Don Bremner is a STEMI survivor and advocate for the American Heart Association in New Mexico.