Sometimes I wonder if it is worth putting keyboard to blog or pen to paper, but after I get done wondering about it, I think that yes it is worth it. 2011 is here and I am going to post yet another blog about the view from a free health clinic in rural PA. 2010 saw us going over the 1000 patient mark, diagnosing yet another cancer. This cancer was an unbelievable one. An accomplished cellist made their way to the clinic - they are actually from another state but landed here. Came looking for a "check up". Showed one of the physician assistant volunteers this lesion below their ear. Made the comments that it had gotten bigger and is just "annoying" at times since it bleeds. One of the dermatologists who volunteers with us removed the lesion and sent for path. Thought probably it wasn't anything, well that nothing turned out to be a stage 3 melanoma with lymph node involvement. Once again I am reminded even though I am an RT to have put this clinic together holds more life saving things than just getting people to breathe correctly. 32 cancers with some of the patients already dead because they waited too long and no we are not talking people in their 70's, but rather those in their 30's, 40's, and 50's. We gave them enough time to get their affairs in order and spend some quality time with their families.
On the respiratory side, we have encouraged almost 10 people over the last month to either quit smoking completely or to cut down drastically. Their comments are the same, wow I can breathe again. The AARC booklet is a huge addition to our smoking cessation counseling.
The COPD patients we saw over the last month are doing incredibly better, with good instruction and good case management - we have saved them thousands in hospital visits and stays.
So my passion is truly to help the uninsured and I need to keep sharing the stories until someone really starts to listen to what is important. Not to mention the political arena, but if healthcare reform is repealed that is one thing but to sit and wait because there is a D in the White House and lots of R's with points to prove. People are dying daily just because they lack simple health care. We as RT's can help those who have no other place to turn with regards to simple MDI's by paying attention to what is out there for patients.
Hope everyone had a great new year!!
Bette Grey, BA, RRT, CPFT
Columbia County Volunteers in Medicine Clinic, Inc.
570-204-3930