Are We Solving For X?

There are problems. Hundreds of thousands of people around the world have died from COVID-19. Economic uncertainty abounds. Divisions on social and social injustices have overtaken America. Mental health issues from isolation and stress are mounting. How do we solve these problems? What is X in this complex equation?

Sickcare

For decades the US has relied on a sickcare system where solving for X meant a medical treatment with unknown costs and often as unknown efficacy. If nothing else, the COVID-19 crisis and so many related crises have highlighted that sickcare doesn’t work. In fact, the sickcare model may even be part of the problem.

Think about these examples. Hospital systems face financial ruin while people avoid medical procedures for hear of COVID-19. Chronic diseases from poor lifestyle choices increase mortality from COVID-19 among disadvantaged populations. A vaccine for COVID-19 is still months away and pricing has already become an issue. There is confusion among political leaders about when to reopen what services. It may be that we are solving for X but there is little agreement on what X is.

X Is Wellbeing