A colleague has taken exception to my language regarding peer counselors in
a recent post.  It is never my intention to challenge the integrity or
contribution of peer counselors or any lay counselor.  My background is LLL,
so of course I am prejudiced that peer counseling is tremendously effective.
However, I continue to feel I have a legitimate right to consider that by
definition, peer implies non-clinical.  This seems to me to be a defensible
position.  I consider (in agreement with the recent Pew Commission finding)
that as access to health care broadens, consumer protection must also be
assured. I consider provision of health care services in institutions and in
the community  a reasonable subject for debate.

If there are any peer counselors who felt personally attacked by my
comments, I offer my sincere and contrite apologies, and my continuing
gratitude for your generosity.

Barbara Wilson-Clay, BSEd, IBCLC
Austin Lactation Associates, Austin, Texas
http://www.jump.net/~bwc/lactnews.html