It was an unusually slow day at one of our outreach sites. Could have something to do with the long-awaited break in the heat wave, for today’s temperature is running a cool 90 degrees. Whatever the case the census is low and we have been advised that most of our patients have headed to the park.
So my nurse and I decided to take a detour before heading back to the office, so we dropped by Monroe Park. This is a common gathering place for the homeless of Richmond. As expected, the benches were full of many of our patients and a few that have been long lost to follow up.
We were welcomed with open arms. Many were shocked, saying “Dr. Stevens, you will come anywhere to find us!” My nurse and I went from bench to bench, checking blood pressures, encouraging them to take their medications, stop smoking, and to keep their follow up appointments. In fact three walked back with us over to the clinic, one for a Tuberculosis test reading, another for treatment of high blood pressure, and another who we discovered was just released from the hospital but living under a bridge.
As I was sitting on the bench and looking up at the fountain, I thought, “What a wonderful view- I couldn’t ask for better office space”. Granted not all Community Health Centers operate out of a City Park (and this is not routine for me). However, I can say that meeting patients where they are and participating in outreach is a very important aspect of community health.
I enjoy the public health tract that my career has taken; every day is something new, something different, and something worthwhile. When I woke up this morning I knew I had a job to do, but had no idea I was going to “Hit the Pavement”, but I’m so glad I did.
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