JenPDX writes: Why should the Peace Corps treat him with their limited medical budget in Ukraine, risk the Peace Corps' reputation and be kicked out of Ukraine, and provide lesser care for Mr. Johnson when he can go home and receive medical treatment and be around his family?




I hate stories like this -- when you work overseas and sign a contract you have an obligation to fulfill your side of the deal --Mr. Johnson had his trip cute short because of a medical condition that cannot be cured in 45 days and he was sent home. If he broke his leg, developed cancer, or was pregnant, the outcome would be the same -- he would be going home per Peace Corps policy because he cannot be treated within 45 days. The Peace Corps bends over backwards to treat people within 45 days and send them back into the field. This sounds like someone who didn't want to go home to wait tables and decided that in this sue-happy society he should go after the Peace Corps (who will already pay to treat him for the rest of his life) rather than continuing a life of service by working for AmeriCorps, Habitat for Humanity, or another organization.

JenPDX writes: Why should the Peace Corps treat him with their limited medical budget in Ukraine, risk the Peace Corps' reputation and be kicked out of Ukraine, and provide lesser care for Mr. Johnson when he can go home and receive medical treatment and be around his family?


It is Peace Corps policy to medically separate persons with medical conditions that cannot be cured within 45 days. Moreover, Ukraine (or any other host country) will revoke the work visa of HIV-positive people known to be residing in their country.

What this story neglects to tell you is that Mr. Johnson's treatment will be carried by the government until he is either cured or passes away from his medical-related condition. Therefore, I don't know what he is suing the Peace Corps for; he is being cared for for the rest of his life -- why should the Peace Corps treat him with their limited medical budget in Ukraine, risk the Peace Corps' reputation and be kicked out of Ukraine, and provide lesser care for Mr. Johnson when he can go home and receive medical treatment and be around his family?

I hate stories like this -- when you work overseas and sign a contract you have an obligation to fulfill your side of the deal --Mr. Johnson had his trip cute short because of a medical condition that cannot be cured in 45 days and he was sent home. If he broke his leg, developed cancer, or was pregnant, the outcome would be the same -- he would be going home per Peace Corps policy because he cannot be treated within 45 days. The Peace Corps bends over backwards to treat people within 45 days and send them back into the field. This sounds like someone who didn't want to go home to wait tables and decided that in this sue-happy society he should go after the Peace Corps (who will already pay to treat him for the rest of his life) rather than continuing a life of service by working for AmeriCorps, Habitat for Humanity, or another organization.

That he wanted to go back or cash in tells me he wasn't dedicated to service at all but in it for a good time. We're already paying for this guy's treatment, why should we also pay for his bad decisions in Ukraine by justifying his lawsuit against the Peace Corps?

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Headlines: May, 2008; Peace Corps Ukraine; Directory of Ukraine RPCVs; Messages and Announcements for Ukraine RPCVs; HIV; AIDS; Early Termination; Disabilities; Law