Drs: Zadroga Act For First Responders + Scott Weiland Overdose

The Doctors: Jon Stewart Zadroga Act

The Doctors kicked off their Friday News Feed, recognizing first responders that came to the rescue during and after the September 11 terrorist attacks. After fighting to help others, those same first responders are now having to fight for their rights when it comes to their health. Jon Stewart recently returned to The Daily Show to talk about a health care act for first responders. The Zadroga Act expired in September and will soon be out of money, costing first responders hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The goal is to get congress to renew the act that provides health care for first responders suffering from diseases caused by Ground Zero toxins. Jon sat with the only first responder healthy enough to return to the show five and half years later, showing the true impact of the hearings. Two were too sick to attend while one had passed away. The renewal will ensure that those affected by the September 11 attacks will continue to seek treatment.

The Doctors: Health Care For 9/11 First Responders

The Doctors then applauded Jon Stewart for his efforts. Approximately 200-400 tons of Asbestos fibers were floating in the air, and first responders were running toward it rather than away. Dr Jennifer Ashton explained that first responders always go right into a scene, without thinking of themselves. “If we don’t stand up for the people that are standing up for us…” she said. “Think about that.”

Dr Travis Stork reported that 1,400 or more first responders have already died from health complications that are thought to have to do with September 11. Approximately 60,000-70,000 first responders were exposed to the “toxic dust.” We waste so much money on less important things in this country, as Dr Stork said.

The Doctors: Scott Weiland Drug Overdose

Scott Weiland, best known as the front man for the Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver, was found dead on his tour bus where authorities also found hard drugs like cocaine and several prescription medications. His struggle with substance abuse has been known to the public for a while and his ex-wife and mother of his two children is reportedly asking the media “don’t glorify this tragedy.”

The Doctors: Mary Weiland On Scott Weiland’s Death

Mary Weiland, his ex-wife, penned a letter to “Rolling Stone” saying “The outpouring of condolences and prayers offered to our children, Noah and Lucy, has been overwhelming, appreciated and even comforting. But the truth is, like so many other kids, they lost their father years ago. What they truly lost on December 3rd was hope.”

She went on to say that as a society we almost encourage situations like Scott’s. Scott Weiland’s battle was fought and he truly had a family, and The Doctors said we tend to forget that the people in the public eye who are struggling with substance abuse have families. Dr Ashton said whether you’re a celebrity or a normal person, the collateral damage is the family and children that are left behind. We can celebrate the music without celebrating the “drugs and rock and roll” lifestyle.

The Doctors: Former Coach Steve Sarkisian Firing USC

The Doctors then moved on to continue talking about substance abuse, reporting that former USC football coach Steve Sarkisian is suing the university claiming that they wrongfully terminated him during his battle with alcoholism. He’s suing them for $30 million in damages for being fired via email while on his way to seek treatment at a rehab facility in October. Sarkisian alleges that the university fired him without accomodating his efforts to seek treatment for his disability.

So did the university handle the termination correctly? Attorney Areva Martin said Steve had a potentially viable case because is contract could be worth as much as $30 million. She said alcoholism is a qualifying disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act. So could he perform the essential functions of his job and did the university make efforts to accomodate his disability? It’s important whether he talked to the university about his problem, asking for a chance to deal with them.

The Doctors: Fired USC Football Coach Suing University

All the facts of the case haven’t been released yet but there are rumors that the university had offered him help several times before. Dr Ashton explained that she understands the medical side of it, but said Steve isn’t the average person and because he’s in the spotlight, there is a lot expected of him. He’s an admitted alcoholic and is in a leadership position being entrusted with children, so he obviously needs to be getting help rather than coaching.

Carol Mauch Amir, a General Counselor for USC stated “Much of what is stted in the lawsuit filed today by Steve Sarkisian is patently untrue. The record will show that Mr. Sarkisian repeatedly denied to university officials that he had a problem with alcohol, never asked for time off to get help, and resisted university fforts to provide him with help.”

The question is whether the university should’ve given him a chance to get help before firing him. So what do you think?