Small Steps Large Difference

Referral-Directing of a patient to a medical specialist by a primary care physician. When I first started making referrals I was excited but unsure of how my services would make a difference. Since focusing on public health I rarely get one on one interactions. The public health programming is primarily is done with larger audiences. While completing referrals I felt discouraged because I wasn't helping hundreds of people in my time volunteering at Crossroad but I soon realized it wasn't about helping the masses, but making a significant difference in the underserved community of Cincinnati. A lot has changed in my summer volunteering in Over-The-Rhine, it has definitely enhanced my global perspective. The barriers that individuals in my community face with healthcare are the same of those around the world. I look forward to continue assisting individuals and finding more people involved in public health making the difference and connecting the underserved with primary care.

--Angelica Hardee