Changes to policy would remove needed coverage

Editor,

I feel fortunate to have the type of cancer I am living with.

How many UNM staff can say that? Cancer and other catastrophic life-altering diagnoses are becoming the norm these days. And as I review the catastrophic leave policy that is currently out for comment by staff, faculty and students, I am stricken by the fact that the proposed changes do away with much of the coverage previously afforded to my co-workers struggling with chemotherapy, dialysis or other intermittent out-patient care for their diagnosis.

In order to qualify, a staff person must also have an incurable diagnosis. Isn't that the opposite of what we are hoping for? Full recovery and full return to work, albeit with a more appreciative feeling for how precious life can be?

This program is a rare animal indeed - a grassroots program from staff for staff and, as such, I would hope the changes would reflect such kindness of intent.

I applaud the suggested criteria mandating a new staff person must have a full year of continuous employment prior to participating in the program, as it has struggled fiscally in the past.

I strongly urge anyone who gives a heck about such things to read the proposed changes and make your comments known by writing to Ubppm@unm.edu.

The policy is in Big Red, 3430 and the deadline to comment is April 13.

Karin Retskin

UNM staff