“Vera”
is one of our only “permanent” patients.
Typically, our goal is to meet our patients’ immediate need, and then to
help them become established patients at the Family Health Center (via the Good
Health Card or the County Indigent Card).
However, Vera lives in Marlin, which disqualifies her from both
services. Since Falls County
doesn’t have any health care options for the uninsured, Vera will come to see
us whenever she can scrape up enough gas money to make the drive. The drill is always the same: she signs
in around 4:30, and then leaves to go eat at the Salvation Army before
returning to clinic.
I
wish I could say that Vera was a charming, pleasant woman…that she was oozing
with gratitude for the services we provide. Honestly, she’s a little difficult and sometimes crosses
over into being downright rude.
But in the very slow process of getting to know her over the past year
or so, I think I understand: Vera doesn’t want to be here. She doesn’t want to need us. Like most of the poor we serve, she
wants to be self-sufficient and do for herself. Every time she comes to clinic, it is a reminder that she
needs the help and handout from others.
I
used to believe that Vera needed to change her attitude and realize that she is
receiving FREE medical care and show some appreciation. However, recently, I have begun to
realize that it is MY attitude that needs changing. The systemic issues that keep Vera where she is and that
need to be overcome begin with ME.
I will never contribute to solving these deep-rooted problems until my
beliefs and assumptions about the poor change.
Thank
you, Vera, for that gentle yet constant reminder…
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