Deanna Rieser

We are living longer, and I believe each of those years should be filled with learning and growth, meaningful relationships, quality experiences, surprises and spontaneity, satisfying work, fun and excitement, peace and quiet, rest and relaxation, autonomy and self-determination, and dreams to be fulfilled. The quality of our days can be influenced by a variety of factors; some of which are under our control and some are not. For each determinant of health, wellbeing, and quality of life, there are strategies to ensure everyone gets a fair shot. I call on my fellow advocates, providers, policy-makers, and community members to join me in applying evidence-based practices to our health care delivery system; to tenaciously pursuing social justice; and to turning creativity into action so that every member of society can enjoy a quality life.