Friday's letters: On COVID-19, stick with advice of health care providers

In attack on hospital, consider the source

The New York Times published an article March 19 about the attack on Sarasota Memorial Hospital and its board members over their handling of COVID patients. I am a little surprised that this effort is being led by a former Donald Trump appointee who was fired shortly after getting the job!Have we forgotten the conspiracy theories against the COVID vaccine? Have we forgotten all the people who died in Florida due to COVID and the lack of timely handling of this health crisis by the hapless Trump administration?

More: COVID-19 'transparency' rally calls for SMH to start new query

More: How to send a letter to the editor

Have we forgotten the doctors and nurses who did not have any choice but to treat people, even if they were not vaccinated?Before we follow the crowd to attack the hospital board, let’s think about who these naysayers are.

Michael Flynn was pardoned by a twice-impeached former president, and he has no knowledge of health care. More than 1 million people died during this crisis nationwide, so let’s follow the advice of our health care providers and not the screamers who are out there for their own political gain.I am grateful for the excellent care the professionals provide at SMH.

Elvira C. Zec, Sarasota

Grad says Hampshire resembles New College

Having completed my undergraduate degree at Hampshire College, in Amherst, I was thrilled to hear that my alma mater had extended a transfer offer for New College students at their current tuition.

It’s easy to sing the praises of Hampshire, where student-led, project-based learning bears great resemblance to that of New College. Western Massachusetts is beautiful, and the local towns are welcoming.

More: Massachusetts college wants NCF students to transfer

Hampshire is a part of a five-college consortium, allowing students access to Smith, Amherst, Mount Holyoke and University of Massachusetts.

I know Hampshire is a safe place for all students, something which seems to be changing at New College. For these students, it is a great opportunity to continue to craft their own educational journey without censure.

What I cannot praise is the root cause of the offer, a result of the deliberate and highly politicized agenda seeking to destroy everything that makes New College a unique state honors college. Attempting to turn this public model into the private, religious and extremely conservative Hillsdale College is a direct attack on students and faculty.

Hampshire awaits your talents, New College students! You won’t be sorry.

Ronni Blumenthal, Sarasota

Canadian snowbird wants answers

Admittedly, I am a foreign barbarian snowbird from Canada enjoying your kind hospitality for the winter.  I have no direct stake in U.S. politics, but I do watch the news and try to keep current.

A few questions come to mind:

Why do declared and not-yet-declared presidential candidates spend most of their airtime trashing their potential opponents instead of letting voters know what positive plans they may have?

Why do Floridians tolerate their governor gadding about the country tooting his own horn and obviously stumping for president instead of minding the shop at home?

Why are there so many ads on TV for injury lawyers? Is everyone out to ruin somebody else?

Why is a proven liar and cheat allowed to serve in Congress?

And, most importantly for me, why are the dead fish not cleaned up?

We love Lido Beach, but it is disgusting these days.

Doug Rubbra, Sarasota

Celebrate warriors who overcome epilepsy

March 26 is Purple Day, an international effort dedicated to increasing awareness about epilepsy. This is a day that JoshProvides celebrates its Purple Warriors, who never allow their epilepsy to define who they are.

One in 26 people will experience a seizure during their lifetime. Epilepsy is the third most common neurological disorder, and a seizure can strike anyone, anywhere.

Florida that has the most instances of epilepsy. More than 500,000 individuals struggle with seizures. That number drastically increases when you include the countless families and caregivers who are also affected.

Helping those with epilepsy and other seizure disorders is the mission of JoshProvides Epilepsy Assistance Foundation, founded by Bruce and Sandi Chapnick in memory of their son, Josh, who passed away following a fatal fall from an epileptic seizure.

Last year, JoshProvides answered 1,126 inquiries for assistance, awarding 275 client grants. These included grants for trained seizure response dogs, seizure alert devices, medical services and help with transportation to medical appointments.

JoshProvides also offers a support group that helps those with epilepsy deal with the stigma and allows families to stay connected to the community.

Visit https://joshprovides.org. for more information on JoshProvides and epilepsy.

Andria Bilan, CEO, JoshProvides Epilepsy Assistance Foundation, Sarasota

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Consider who is attacking Sarasota Memorial, living with epilepsy