News
PRESS RELEASE
The Big Puddle will reduce/eliminate hearing "No" when seeking treatment and support. "People stop seeking medical treatment because of the rules that prevent them from getting care they earned. Not everyone can advocate for themselves."
The Big Puddle Revolutionizes Access to Care for All- It's time to offer new solutions to those in need.
The Big Puddle, a pioneering initiative, is set to transform the landscape of healthcare access for people. Fueled by a commitment to eliminate barriers and empower those in need, The Big Puddle strives to minimize encountering the word "No" when individuals seek treatment and support. Their focus is on people with multiple needs, including disabilities, medical requirements, mental health challenges, and those at risk of homelessness. "People often stop seeking medical treatment due to rigid rules that hinder their access to earned care," says clinician and mother of a child with autism, Maria Duerson, founder of The Big Puddle. "Not everyone can advocate for themselves effectively."
Key Challenges Addressed:
Communication Barriers: Individuals without independent speech or bathroom use often require assistance. Yet, when seeking mental health services in Pennsylvania, they frequently encounter a resounding "no." The misconception that inability to speak equates to an inability to comprehend speech persists within healthcare systems worldwide.
Disjointed Funding Streams: People facing homelessness, mental health concerns, medical concerns, or other challenges often encounter separate funding streams for different aspects of care. This fragmentation prevents comprehensive support and perpetuates gaps.
Silenced Voices: Abused or injured individuals with disabilities struggle to seek damages for lost abilities. Their voices remain unheard, perpetuating a cycle of vulnerability.
Staffing Shortages: Shared care networks do not presently exist despite the Social Security Act 1915. The systemic gaps preventing focus on supporting individuals with multiple needs, including disabilities, medical requirements, mental health challenges, and those at risk of homelessness.
A New Paradigm:
The Social Security Act of 1915 aimed to shift treatment away from institutions and toward community-based services. However, the healthcare system failed to fully grasp the tireless efforts of advocates from community network providers who are supposed to be included in health insurance portability measures. Support often wanes when an individual receiving services requires hospitalization, psychiatric care, or faces homelessness. Countless parallel scenarios exist.
A Call for Holistic Solutions:
The Big Puddle advocates for a holistic and integrated system of support—one that acknowledges the complex, intersecting needs of vulnerable populations. Solutions must transcend traditional funding streams and service silos. Healthcare integration should prioritize mindfulness and awareness of HIPAA compliance standards across service industries. Surprisingly, HIPAA allows for integration and collaboration across providers.
"To truly address these complex issues," emphasizes Mrs. Duerson, "we must think differently and work together in new ways. Silos between government agencies, nonprofits, and community groups must break down."
The Big Puddle invites all interested individuals and organizations to join this transformative journey. Let's create a more compassionate and accessible future—one where "No" becomes a rarity, and care knows no bounds.
About The Big Puddle: The Big Puddle is a trailblazing initiative committed to reshaping healthcare access for all. By fostering collaboration, awareness, and innovation, we aim to create a more just and compassionate system of care. To learn more visit thebigpuddle.org.
Join us for The Big Puddle's Gala on October 5th. The event is being held at The Fuge in Warminster, an 11,000 square foot concrete building, home to the 180-ton Johnsville Centrifuge developed by the U.S. Navy in 1949.
This event provides a unique opportunity to unite, raise awareness about critical issues, honor trailblazers, and engage in essential conversations. Let's work together to create a more equitable and compassionate system of care. This event will bring healthcare leaders who are engaging in making paramount changes in services and support to people in need to bring equality to the forefront of healthcare again. I look forward to seeing you there!
