Readers’ views on the post office relocation proposal, a survey on rare diseases

Keep the local post office  

Here’s why moving mail delivery from Washoe County to Sacramento and back to Washoe County would be an absolute disaster on so many levels. 

Has anybody considered the fact that both California and Nevada have universal mail-in ballots, and that come November, the Sacramento U.S. Postal Service office is going to be—pardon the all-caps—totally SLAMMED?  

This next election promises to be the most consequential of our lifetimes, and leaving it to overworked postal employees to ensure that mailed-out California ballots get to Californians, and that Nevada ballots get to Nevadans, is too important to be left to chance. 

That’s not to mention the nightmare of getting returned ballots to their respective registrars before whatever arbitrary deadlines pass. Remember, too: It’s not just the weather that will delay timely mail delivery to Washoe County. An out-of-control brushfire or a single overturned big rig can snarl traffic along Interstate 80 as surely as a blizzard. 

Finally, savings of $3 million per year is a laughable reason for disrupting a system that has more or less functioned as designed for many decades. That $3 million could be raised for that purpose in less than a month from Nevada residents alone through a GoFundMe account. 

I’d be the first to contribute. 

—Roger Scimé, Reno 

Taking this survey will help us advocate for people with rare diseases 

In the United States, one out of 10 individuals is impacted by a rare disease. Some of these diseases are exceedingly rare. In Nevada, we must have a clear understanding of the number of residents impacted and the challenges faced by both individuals and families across the state—and your help is needed. 

The Nevada Rare Disease Advisory Council (NVRDAC) is actively seeking survey participants, both patients and caregivers, to help identify the extent of the impact in its communities. The results of this anonymous survey, along with a comprehensive statistical analysis of the occurrence, causes and economic impact of rare diseases, will allow the NVRDAC to better advocate for the needs of residents—especially those living in rural and remote Nevada communities. 

You may see our posters with QR codes in medical offices and hospitals and take the survey on your mobile device while you wait for your appointment. You can also go to nvrdac.org/needsassessment to participate in English or Spanish. 

Our goal is to ensure medical providers in all Nevada communities possess the knowledge and awareness necessary to recognize the symptoms of rare diseases and provide appropriate care, such as consulting with or referring to specialty providers. The NVRDAC will not only explore the consequences of delayed and inadequate treatment on the quality of life for patients, but also the impact on Nevada’s economy. What we learn from those who participate in the survey will help us formulate better recommendations aimed at reducing disability; improving quality of life; and using resources more appropriately. 

If you or someone for whom you care has a rare disease, please join me in taking this survey. Also talk about the Nevada Rare Disease Advisory Council with your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers. You never know when someone close to you may have a rare disease and appreciate learning of this needs assessment survey. 

—Christina Beach Thielst, Minden