Politics

Most people’s medicine cabinets contain either expired or unwanted over-the-counter and/or prescription drugs. With the rise in prescription drug abuse, in particular opioids, keeping these medications in the home isn’t safe. Fortunately, thanks to recent federal, state, and local efforts, more opportunities have been created to help people safely dispose of unwanted drugs.

In an emergency where minutes are critical, medical professionals sometimes determine that patients need to be airlifted to a hospital rather than transported by traditional ambulance. This is particularly true in rural areas, where emergency rooms can be hundreds of miles away. During these occasions, decisions need to be made quickly and the last thing EMT personnel and the patient are thinking about is how much the air transportation is going to cost and how will the cost be paid. Unfortunately, situations have arisen where patients who have utilized an air ambulance get the unwelcome surprise of receiving a huge bill (often exceeding $50,000) for the service.

Americans have a long history of volunteering and hold community service as a hallmark of civic life. Militias that formed during the Revolutionary War and our country’s first fire departments, for example, were made possible by volunteers who saw a need and organized to serve a cause. People through the ages at their own accord have volunteered for the greater good. At no time is this honored tradition of volunteerism more evident in our country than during the holiday season.

There are a number of roads in rural areas in our state that do not see a lot of traffic. Despite the low volume of use, towns are required to maintain roads to state specifications even if the road does not lead to a house, camp, or business. This translates into large and often unnecessary expenses for taxpayers.

On Nov. 17, the OnCenter will once again host a National Adoption Day celebration. The day is part of a collective effort to help raise awareness of the more than 110,000 children in foster care across the nation waiting to find permanent homes. It is also a celebration of families who have already opened their homes and hearts to adopted children and in most cases have helped to improve the trajectory of a child’s life forever.