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What a great organization, I had never heard of them before.

I would be curious as to what her opinion is about the high drug prices, it makes it look like it is pure greed, and maybe it is, but I wonder what other factors are at play here.

One thing I have read is that American consumers are paying to cover all the research costs, as countries who set low prices cost the drug companies money such that we end up subsidizing them.

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Feb 13Liked by Napa Valley Features

I applaud Dr. Carteron's foundation and its mission. Such selfless initiative is always admirable. Thank you.

That said, I would respectfully request Mr. Stoneberg and any responsible journalist avoid supporting the dated narrative that a "successful accomplishment" of a nonprofit is that "100% of every dollar donated goes to patients." We mustn't hold any organization to such a metric. Not all 501c(3)s have the luxury of a volunteer CEO and, as is often the case, a Board that underwrites 100% of operating costs. Would we deny the leaders who support the many wonderful agencies in our County a salary, their own healthcare benefits, a laptop, an office in order to make that claim? Should an employee of a nonprofit be unable to afford their own medications because nonprofit salaries lag behind the private sector? The people on the front lines deserve our respect, and this small sentence continues to undermine the strategic (and fiscal) stewardship and fortitude it takes to run a nonprofit in 2024.

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author

It's a very good point. Thank you for reminding us of this important fact.

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Feb 13Liked by Napa Valley Features

This is a wonderful organization trying to fix our "fragmented and not improving" health care system! And their work is a wake-up call. Are NVF readers aware that in California, the state Legislature, just last year, passed SB770, a law requiring the State to plan proactively for a new, universal health care system here, ideally a single-payer program? Single-payer would guarantee basic health care coverage for all California residents. No co-pays, no premiums. Importantly, the State would have the authority to negotiate drug prices. This year, AB2200 [CalCare] has just been introduced, and all concerned Californians can support its passage now. CalCare sets out the blueprint for the new program, which, if enacted, will make the system generally envisioned in SB770 a reality. For more information, you can visit healthcareforall.org and/or pnhp.org, sites of two organizations educating and advocating for a more just and efficient health care system.

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