Poverty impacts health in so many ways. We saw a new one this weekend when two patients came with unusual symptoms - weakness, dizziness, inability to stand, trembling, and shallow breathing. It turns out that both had been sold strong anti-depressants in the market place and had been told they were for infections. We soon learned of other cases in town.
Both our patients were detoxified and recovered. But there are two footnotes to this incident that illustrate how our staff are taking steps that are extraordinary. First, even though we don't see regular patients during the weekend, staff members are volunteering to stay at our guest house so that they can respond to emergencies. Secondly, our administrator and social service MD took the initiative to call the mayor about this issue. Then they arranged for a call-in to a local radio station to broadcast this new health risk. This kind of pro-active health care is one the distinguishing marks of Visitation Clinic. You can help support it by clicking here
No comments:
Post a Comment