Dear PHC Family,
When Christina came in to our event on September 23rd, she was agitated, frustrated, and disconnected from many of the services she wanted. She was trying to find a doctor, as well as a haircut, and a meal. Unfortunately, Christina was having trouble getting the information – and help – that she needed.
Several of our medical providers saw that Christina was upset and asked how they could help, but she decided that a haircut was her top priority. Even though getting connected with a doctor is an important goal, we encourage participants at our events to set their own priorities. So often, our participants have very little control over other parts of their lives. At PHC events, we make sure that participants decide what care they want, and when to seek it out.
Christina angrily left our medical area because she did not think she was going to get help and went to get a haircut. While relaxing in the stylist’s chair, Christina began to calm down and trust the people around her. Seeing this opportunity, our medical lead, Dr. Barry Zevin, approached her while she got a haircut and they discussed the medical care she needed. Because of Dr. Zevin’s compassion and quick work, Christina left the event with a fresh new hairstyle, a connection to a primary care provider, and a doctor’s appointment. As a transwoman who has suffered significant trauma in her life, Christina has a hard time trusting service providers, but she walked away from PHC 60 connected both with the volunteers that helped her and with the care she needs.
There are countless stories from PHC 60 of you, our volunteers, helping our participants make the connections that they need. You all make an important commitment to the participants you serve, often going above and beyond to make sure that even those who are difficult to engage get the highest level of care possible. Your dedication, creativity, and tenacity are the core of PHC.
Thank you to all of our volunteers, and a big thank you to CPMC for their continued financial and volunteer support.
Many thanks,
Kate Grzeca & the PHC Team
| PHC 60 Outcomes ~ September 23, 2015 | |
|---|---|
| 1,531 | Individuals connected to services with the help of 797 volunteers |
| 14 | Were counseled on ADULT PROBATION |
| 142 | Benefits & Follow Up Appointments (CAAP, CalFresh, GA, Healthy San Francisco) |
| 124 | Obtained new CALIFORNIA STATE IDs that will help them access additional services |
| 61** | Received DENTAL procedures |
| 149 | Inquired about EMPLOYMENT interviews and services |
| 265/200*/475 | Received EYE EXAMS, PRESCRIPTION GLASSES, AND READING GLASSES |
| 72 | Received FOOT WASHING |
| 13,497 | Pounds of GROCERIES were given to participants (SF-Marin Food Bank) |
| 99 | Got their HAIR CUT |
| 24 | HIV/STI tests performed |
| 17 | Are now HOMEWARD BOUND |
| 83 | Were counseled about LEGAL issues affecting their lives |
| 1,083 | LUNCHES were served |
| 46 | MASSAGES were performed on participants |
| 107 | Accessed MEDICAL services and connected with local primary care physicians who offered follow up appointments |
| 175* | EXCHANGED NEEDLES |
| 56 | Accessed MENTAL HEALTH services |
| 131* | Photo PORTRAITS were taken |
| 25 | Received PODIATRY services |
| 120 | Received SAFER SEX information & supplies |
| 259 | People recevied information on SHELTER & HOUSING |
| 13 | Received TB tests |
| 23 | WHEELCHAIRS & WALKERS were repaired |
*These service areas served record numbers of participants at PHC 60!
These numbers are a sample and do not reflect all services offered at PHC 60.
**This number has been corrected from the initial outcomes email.
PHC blog