I recently learned of a talented and very ambitious research journalist and UNC student, Lydia Wilson, who chose (yes, chose) to focus on North Carolina's Medicaid Waiver for her master's thesis.
In her email below, she states that she's "especially interested in
human stories of what this system is and why it matters"... A focus on real people? What a novel idea!
Whether you're a parent, provider or any interested stakeholder affected by the new waiver changes and have a story to share, I encourage you to contact Lydia. If you need an introduction, please contact me via no2nchb916@gmail.com.
Lydia's email:
I've just published "Mental Health Reform 3.0," the multimedia news
website about North Carolina's Medicaid reform for which I interviewed
you recently (or read your writing, blogging, reporting, etc...). This
was started as my Masters thesis for the School of Journalism at
UNC-Chapel Hill. I'm writing to thank you for your time contributing to
the reporting and invite your feedback.
The website can be found at
http://www.ncmentalhealthreform.com.
At its core are four text articles, called "Reform 101," explaining the
story of how N.C.'s reforms to the services for people with mental
health or substance abuse disorders or intellectual or developmental
disabilities came to be and where they're going. You'll also find an
interactive timeline of the reforms, a glossary of key terms, graphics
explaining certain issues and personal stories of those affected by the
policy.
I will continue covering news of North Carolina's Medicaid reform
through 2013 at least. So, please do call or email if there's something
that is not covered that should be.
I'm especially interested in
human stories of what this system is and why it matters. From policy
makers to consumers, if you know people who want to share their story,
please send them my way.
I hope you'll excuse the formality of this group email. But it's in
part because so many people gave so much time, information and
perspective. I appreciate your time sharing your story and hope you'll
continue to do so.
As a last note, Rose Hoban of North Carolina Health News has been
doing an immense amount of reporting about these reforms and the broader
context of healthcare and policy in our state. Follow her site for
comprehensive journalism, as well:
http://www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/
