March 11, 2014
Dear Editor,
My family recently relocated to Roanoke from out of state. We lost our health insurance when we moved and now my husband is working with a new employer. His job is an entry level position and we haven’t been offered or been able to pay for health insurance yet. I work as a nurses aide but health insurance isn’t offered for my part time position either. It is very distressing to be without health insurance.
I wanted to tell you of my experience I had with the Bradley Free Clinic in downtown Roanoke. I have always been an active and healthy person but a few months ago I became very ill and was unable to get out of bed for a few days. When I finally had the strength to get up, I wanted to be seen by a doctor. We called an urgent care center who told us their fee was $130.00 just to be seen and any strep test or medication would be an additional charge on top of that. At the time, we really weren’t in a position to pay that.
While feeling very helpless, I remembered seeing an ad in the newspaper about the Bradley Free Clinic. My husband took me in that day and we spoke with a woman at the front desk who was very pleasant and helpful. Later that evening I returned for an appointment. The women who checked me in were wonderful. The security guard who showed me to the lab was friendly. The lab tech was very caring. The nurses were very professional, and the doctor gave me comfort and hope and really listened to me. Even the pharmacist was friendly and had a big smile on his face when he handed me my antibiotics. I was very impressed by the camaraderie I sensed between the staff at the nurses station and the pharmacy.
I was feeling very weak and not “with it” enough to get any names or remember who everyone was who helped me. I don’t think I could even single out one or two of the staff who went above and beyond because I felt everyone who dealt with me did!
I felt like I was treated better there than at any private clinic I’d been to. There was something different in the air. The staff made me feel like I was the only person there, even though there was a full waiting room. When I asked what time they closed, someone said, “Whenever we’re finished seeing everyone.” There was no time clock to punch or rush to leave before the job was done and I could really sense that the staff, many of whom were volunteers, were there because they wanted to be.
While I waited to be seen, I was able to attend a healthy cooking class with some great pasta sampling, and everyone who attended the class was given some fresh fruit to take home. I also got a pair of gloves from the “free bin” that had several nice donated personal care items for the patients.
I loved seeing a community pull together to help each other. When times are hard, it can bring out the best in people. It truly gave me a hopeful glimpse of our country’s future that churches, neighbors, volunteers, and good people can overcome the troubles that our nation faces by helping one another.
I would like to thank the Bradley Free Clinic for lifting my spirits and for healing me. I walked into their clinic feeling miserable but I left their parking lot that evening with an indebted heart and grateful tears in my eyes. I felt comforted, uplifted and full of hope. They truly healed my body and soul. The service and generosity of all those involved are immensely appreciated.
Gratefully,
Tracy Ritter – Roanoke
