She told members of the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) that safe staffing at medical facilities and discussions about universal health care are among the top issues she has fought for in recent years.
She said a potential change in the leadership of the New York State Senate could allow those two issues, which have received strong support in the state Assembly, to move forward in the next legislative session.
"The time is now. We don't want to miss this opportunity. We want to make sure we are able to provide affordable quality health care to all the state's residents," Assemblywoman Jenne said.
She has been a long-time supporter of universal health care and argued that systemic reforms are needed to find savings.
"There are a lot of changes going on in health care right now, and I'm concerned about our ability to ensure access to quality health care here in the North Country," Assemblywoman Jenne said.
"I think we are at a very critical point, not just this state but in our country, in terms of how we will approach health care for the foreseeable future. I've always felt we should have a single-payer system to ensure everyone can access quality care," she noted.
She said efforts to repeal health care at the national level are misguided, but noted it’s obvious changes are needed to make health care more affordable so more patients can access preventive care.
" The current system is just draining middle-class and working-class families. The insurance policies are so expensive, especially the high co-pays and deductibles. Just getting basic health care coverage can take up a large portion of a family's income, and it's also a burden on our small businesses," she added.
The assemblywoman said she repeatedly hears from constituents who avoid going to the doctor or the hospital due to concerns about cost.
"I really think it's time to tackle this problem once and for all. We need to reclaim the profits our insurance companies are taking out of the health care system and invest those dollars back in New York State. This will benefit our hospitals and our health care providers. It's the best way to drive down costs for our families and ensure we have quality health care in places like the North Country," Assemblywoman Jenne said.
She said the safe staffing issue is also critically important, noting she has stood shoulder to shoulder with nurses in the state Capitol to help advance this vital legislation.
"I hear the heartache of nurses who feel they just don't have the time to properly talk to their patients before they are discharged from their facilities," she noted.
She said the issues are only escalating as Baby Boomers age and develop more complex health care needs.
One of the nurses attending the meeting told Assemblywoman Jenne that safe staffing levels is a major concern for all nurses, both for veteran nurses and nurses just beginning their careers.
She said changes in health care means patients in hospitals are now sicker than they once were.
"Everybody is so sick now. They don't put you in the hospital if you are just a little sick anymore, so all of your patients have serious needs now. If we, as veteran nurses, feel overwhelmed, imagine how our newer nurses feel," she told Assemblywoman Jenne.
The assemblywoman said she has long stood with NYSNA to fight for safe staffing levels. She said moving to universal health care – eliminating the high profits that currently flow to insurance companies – could provide additional dollars that will help health care institutions hire more nurses.
Corey Ellis, the upstate political director for NYSNA, told nurses from Massena Memorial Hospital, Canton-Potsdam Hospital and Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center that Assemblywoman Jenne has gained the endorsement of NYSNA in her bid for re-election to the state Assembly.
"The assemblywoman has continuously been there for you, and now you need to be there for her," he told the nurses.
IN THE PHOTOS:
TOP PHOTO:
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne discusses health care issues with Paisley Kodama, a nurse at Canton-Potsdam Hospital. Assemblywoman Jenne recently had an opportunity to meet with local members of the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) at Sergi's in Potsdam.
BOTTOM PHOTOS:
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne visits with New York State Nurses Association officials in Potsdam.
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne and Corey Ellis, upstate political director for NYSNA, discuss some of the health care issues that are likely to be debated during the 2019 legislative session in Albany.
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne (bottom right) visits with Jessica Palmer, a nurse at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center; Ogdensburg; Joann Brand, Massena Memorial Hospital, a union delegate for the MMH unit; Casey Paquin, Massena Memorial Hospital, secretary for the MMH NYSNA unit; and Rachel Ward, Massena Memorial Hospital; during a recent NYSNA meeting in Potsdam.
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne poses for a photograph with NYSNA members from Canton-Potsdam Hospital during a recent NYSNA meeting at Sergi's in Potsdam.
