Written by: Jennifer C. Alexander
As a healthcare lawyer, I regularly deal with issues on behalf of my clients which can be divisive or require a balance of competing interests, such as privacy concerns, patient rights, the rising costs of healthcare, ethical practices, and extensive compliance requirements on practitioners and facilities. Political views often invade discussions with regard to healthcare whether about choice, access, religious freedoms, or public funding, and in our current political climate, civility and acceptance of others’ views can get lost. Birch Horton Bittner & Cherot has found common ground, however, on at least one public health issue in supporting the annual Alaska Run for Women, which has raised millions of dollars for education about, and access to, diagnostic screening for breast cancer that can be life saving.
For the past five years, BHBC has sponsored a “port-a-potty” or “rent-a-can” to be used by the thousands of racers, volunteers, and fans at the race day event. This decorating contest pits organizations and businesses against one another to put out a fun and creative message in support of breast cancer awareness and prevention (while also providing a functional necessity to the well-attended event). BHBC’s team includes walkers and runners of all abilities, from ages 20s to 60s. Some are lifelong Alaskans and others “transplants” to Alaska, with ideological views across the spectrum. While our team members may have different views on how to approach the difficult issues in healthcare today, we can agree on supporting this positive event in our community that encourages individuals to be proactive about their own health.
As four-time winners of the “Port-A-Potty Decorating Contest,” including 2018, BHBC takes the message of this silly competition seriously – with serious fun! Congratulations to Team BHBC on your MOUNTAINOUS victory – can’t wait to see what you come up with next year!
For more information about the Run for Women, to donate, or to join the competition for next year, please visit http://www.akrfw.org/.