PMJA Award Submission - News/Public Affairs: "Wheelchair repairs can take months: What local advocates are doing to change that"

Where We Live
Episode: Wheelchair repairs can take months: What local advocates are doing to change that
Original Airdate: July 17, 2023
Category: News/Public Affairs

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have estimated that more than half of wheelchairs break down in a typical six-month period. Here in Connecticut, home to the “insurance capital of the world,” many residents say those repairs can take months.

In this episode of Where We Live, local advocates with the recently formed Connecticut Wheelchair Reform Coalition share their personal experiences, and their advocacy efforts.

This episode also features University of Pittsburgh researcher Dr. Lynn Woroby, sharing her findings on the frequency of wheelchair breakdowns. Plus, Private Equity Stakeholder Project (PESP) is a nonprofit watchdog organization investigating the impact of private equity on health care. PESP’s Eileen O’Grady also weighs in.

This legislative session, the task force is making headway, demanding a 10-day turnaround mandate for repairs. Advocates have since protested at the State Capitol, pushing for a proposed bill.

Thank you for your consideration.

Katie Pellico
Producer, Where We Live