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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsErin Gilmer, Disability Rights Activist, Dies at 38 (TW: Death by suicide)
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/17/health/erin-gilmer-dead.htmlErin Gilmer, a lawyer and disability rights activist who fought for medical privacy, lower drug prices and a more compassionate health care system as she confronted a cascade of illnesses that left her unable to work or even get out of bed for long stretches, died on July 7 in Centennial, Colo. She was 38.
Anne Marie Mercurio, a friend whom Ms. Gilmer had given power of attorney, said the cause was suicide.
First in Texas and later in Colorado, where she had her own law practice, Ms. Gilmer pushed for legislation that would make health care more responsive to patients needs, including a state law, passed in 2019, that allows pharmacists in Colorado to provide certain medications without a current prescription if a patients doctor cannot be reached.
She was a frequent consultant to hospitals, universities and pharmaceutical companies, bringing an extensive knowledge of health care policy and even more extensive firsthand experience as a patient.
Anne Marie Mercurio, a friend whom Ms. Gilmer had given power of attorney, said the cause was suicide.
First in Texas and later in Colorado, where she had her own law practice, Ms. Gilmer pushed for legislation that would make health care more responsive to patients needs, including a state law, passed in 2019, that allows pharmacists in Colorado to provide certain medications without a current prescription if a patients doctor cannot be reached.
She was a frequent consultant to hospitals, universities and pharmaceutical companies, bringing an extensive knowledge of health care policy and even more extensive firsthand experience as a patient.
If you are having thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK). You can find a list of additional resources at SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources.
The obit doesn't really go into how she died of suicide because of the terrible way we treat chronic pain, which is rooted in the War on Drugs.
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Erin Gilmer, Disability Rights Activist, Dies at 38 (TW: Death by suicide) (Original Post)
WhiskeyGrinder
Jul 2021
OP
As we continue this war on people with chronic pain there will be more of this.
Coventina
Jul 2021
#3
North Shore Chicago
(3,316 posts)1. Heartbreaking
on all levels.
RIP
riversedge
(70,215 posts)2. May her family and friends find peace.
Coventina
(27,119 posts)3. As we continue this war on people with chronic pain there will be more of this.