As an advanced nurse, I see the harsh realities of high prescription drug costs every day. I see patients who have to choose between paying for their medications and paying rent. I see people rationing pills because they simply can’t afford their prescriptions. It’s heartbreaking, and it’s not right.
This is why I strongly support the creation of a Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) in Illinois. I believe this board could be a game-changer for patients, especially those who are struggling to afford the medications they need to survive. A PDAB would have the power to review the costs of the most expensive drugs and set upper payment limits — making sure people aren’t forced to pay outrageous prices just to stay healthy.
I’ve been a nurse for many years, and I’ve seen the incredible advances that have been made in medicine. But what good is medical progress if the people who need it most can’t afford it? Prescription drugs don’t work if people can’t afford them. This isn’t just a catchphrase — it’s the truth that I see play out in my practice every day.
That’s why I appreciate the leadership on a PDAB from state Rep. Dagmara Avelar and Sen. Rachel Ventura. These leaders are stepping up and doing something about the crushing weight of prescription drug prices. I’m hopeful that, through their efforts, we can build more awareness and get the momentum we need to push this legislation forward. It’s a chance for everyday people to speak out, share their stories and let our lawmakers know that enough is enough.
I know this isn’t a quick fix, but I believe that creating a PDAB is a meaningful step toward making medications more affordable for everyone. It’s time for Illinois to join other states that have already taken action on this issue. We need to ensure that no one in our state has to decide between their health and their livelihood.
We can do better, and this is how we start.
— Dr. Rose Ampadu, dual board-certified advanced practice nurse, Romeoville
Loss of Walgreens stores
Walgreens’ decision to close more stores is a tough blow for these communities.
But the real blame should be directed at the local and state politicians who for many years have permitted lawlessness (i.e., unpunished shoplifting), onerous property taxes, and ever-increasing city/county/state mandates and regulations to make it near impossible to keep these stores from losing money.
Foolish politicians and their harmful policies have far-reaching consequences. What’s often done “for the people” actually results in unintended results like this. Stores close, consumers have fewer choices, employees lose jobs or are relocated, and area economic loss spreads, etc.
It’s a terrible shame that this happens, but it’s predictable, avoidable and not ultimately the company’s fault.
Voters, take heed.
— Tom Morrison, Palatine
Judge lifts up ceremony
Professor Stan Chu Ilo’s op-ed (“I became an American citizen a day after Trump’s inauguration,” Jan. 29) gets it just right, especially about the things that have made America great.
I was privileged to be at the same naturalization ceremony he described (a Polish friend becoming a citizen that day was kind enough to invite me), and I was deeply moved. The only thing I would add to Ilo’s op-ed is an appreciation of the U.S. District Court judge who conducted the ceremony. Judge Georgia Alexakis described her own background in an immigrant family, and her mixture of gravitas, humor and connection turned what could have been a perfunctory, bureaucratic process into a profound and moving morning.
— Vincent P. Flood, Evanston
Blame for flag redesign
Letter writers Bob Gavenda (“Actual condition of state,” Jan. 29) and Ralph Chichester (“Is this just a diversion?” Jan. 29) are opposed to changing the state flag, and I agree with them. I like the flag. But their blame is misplaced. They blame Gov. JB Pritzker for the proposed flag change.
Actually, Senate Bill 1818 was passed by the legislature to create the Illinois Flag Commission. The sponsor was Sen. Doris Turner; the governor merely signed the bill.
These gentlemen should get their facts correct, first.
— Paul Breit, Tinley Park
Treating kids with respect
In a recent column (“How to treat students the way they really want to be treated,” Jan. 26), the Kid Whisperer revealed that the most important thing to do to build relationships with young students is to talk to children as if they are adults.
Perhaps because the adults in my family always talked to me as if I were an (intelligent, capable) adult-in-training, I have always talked to children the same as I do to adults. Friends who have observed me have commented on my behavior as unusual.
In order to earn respect from anyone, one must demonstrate respect for the other person and for oneself. I was raised by five strict, demanding parents (my mother, father, maternal grandparents and my mother’s younger sister). They all treated me and my brothers with respect and demanded respect in return. Grandmother and Granddaddy called me Miss Muriel and my brother, Mr. Frank. From this, I understood I would not be a child forever, but that I was an adult in training.
My grandmother put me to work from the age of 4, helping her prepare food for her organization meetings and helping her with mailings. As I got older, I was allowed to help serve at meetings, bridge parties, etc. She even taught me to play bridge so I could sit in if someone didn’t show.
My Aunt Muriel taught me to read when I was 4. My mother and father drilled me on becoming a community activist/leader. From the time I could read, I was not allowed to make statements without supporting evidence. They emphasized that if one wishes to serve the community and influence others, one cannot be self-indulgent. In other words, no drugs, alcohol abuse, tardiness, triviality, egocentricity. Always do what one says one will do.
Not only do I talk to children as if they were adults, but I also try to share some of the lessons I was taught. Often the ideas take the children by surprise, but the ideas’ logic makes them easily understood.
— Muriel Balla, Chicago
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