A roundup of complications

Few things in modern life are as complicated as healthcare.

That fact was all too apparent last week as Coulee Medical Center officials presented their case for supporting the practice of delivering babies in rural hospitals, especially CMC.

From a simple accounting perspective, obstetrics would make lots of sense to cut out if the budget is tight (and it is). But that could mean also getting rid of other services that support obstetrics, along with other services. CMC’s push to highlight the need is on the front page.

And then there’s the opioid epidemic, ruining many lives across the country, lives of those whose big mistake was suffering pain and taking a prescribed medication, reportedly pushed by companies who said they were safe. That’s in a column on this page by Rep. Dan Newhouse.

One can only hope that our political leaders are up to the challenge of addressing such challenges.

And speaking of politics, a candidate running against Newhouse will come to town tonight to meet with anyone interested, then again for coffee Thursday morning. That’s on the front page too.

It’s been a busy week, but not as busy as the weekend will be; it’s Colorama time. Our special section is inside.

Happy reading.

Scott Hunter

editor and publisher