In the last few weeks two people who have had an important impact on my life passed away—Mike Russell and Gurnie Gunter.

Mike Russell was the co-founder of the Kansas City Business Journal. For almost six years I had the privilege of working for this newspaper. Mike was an entrepreneur and loved life in the fast lane. He was always looking for the next business deal. He loved start ups and especially liked to take on projects that someone said could not be done. It was the challenge to do something spectacular which drove him, but that was not what endeared him to those of us fortunate enough to work with him. No matter how busy he was, he always had time for what was most important to him – his friends and family, especially his beautiful wife Carol.

Gurnie Gunter was a founding HCF board member and our second board chair. Gurnie was a strong leader who was firm, fair and direct. He was a quiet man who did not speak much. But when he did – people listened because his comments were always meaningful. Gurnie was a tall man with a big smile and a very firm handshake. He was a religious man and lead by example. His many years of military experienced caused him to be organized, disciplined and to respect the chain of command. He was always prepared for meetings and followed the agenda with precision. He valued community service and was devoted to his wife Margaret for over 55 years.

These two men had different personalities and work habits. Both men had a great sense of humor and were not afraid show emotion. Both were decision makers and had the ability to inspire and challenge people to do their very best. They treated others the way they wanted to be treated. I am so fortunate that my path through life included the opportunity to work alongside these two outstanding individuals.

Mike and Gurnie --- rest in peace! You will be missed.

In the last few months the Health Care Foundation has hosted several poverty simulations across the community. In less than two hours a person attending these simulations can feel the pain, heartbreak and despair felt by families every day who live in poverty without jobs and health insurance.

Attendance in these simulations has been high. It probably isn’t coincidental that as the economy worsens, interest in poverty grows. In today’s world many of the new jobless are folks who are experiencing poverty for the first time. With unemployment in our area at 8% it is not difficult for most of us to realize that if we lose our job we are only a few pay checks away from being in serious financial trouble and without health insurance.

As many of you know, I had the privilege of working with one of our community’s finest leaders – Mr. Ewing Kauffman. Mr. Kauffman often said that the best social program ever created was a good paying job with benefits. No question Mr. K was correct, but unfortunately not everyone who wants a job can find one in today’s economy.

No one knows how long these troubling times will last. As it continues, more and more of us will find ourselves among the ranks of the uninsured. Therefore it is important for legislative leaders in both political parties, insurance companies, advocates, hospitals, doctors, dentists, nonprofit providers, business leaders, clergy, consumers, and many other groups to figure out a way to provide physical and mental health care for all at a reasonable cost.

Contact your elected officials and let them know that you expect action on health reform this year. Now is the time and together we can assure universal health/mental coverage for everyone.