Monday, May 18, 2015

Looking Back

Looking back on my first rotation here at Crossroad Health Center, I’m amazed how much I
have seen and experienced and how much I have grown, both personally and professionally.
When I applied for the Volunteer Internship Program, I already knew that this experience would
help me to understand how the healthcare system worked, but I didn’t realize how much it
would open my eyes to the healthcare gaps within our own community. Too often, when we
think of those who do not have access to proper healthcare, we think of those living in
developing nations where medical infrastructure is lacking. However, working here at Crossroad
for a few months has shown me how much health disparity exists even within the United
States. Seeing some of the patients at Crossroad struggle to pay for their medication or find
transportation to make it to their appointments breaks my heart and has inspired me to
dedicate my life to bridging the healthcare gap within the US.

I’m always amazed by the resilience I see in some of the patients I’ve met; even with all the
hardships and difficulties they face everyday, many of them are still fighting to manage their
health issues or improve their health. For these people, Crossroad is an amazing support
network – from the doctors and nurses to the VIPs and other staff, every single person is willing
and ready to provide quality care and assistance to the patients. Although I’m not quite sure
what the future has in store for me yet, I intend to continue to do my best in being a voice for
patients like the ones I’ve met at Crossroad, in advocating for healthcare rights for all, and in
treating all people with the compassion and empathy that the staff at Crossroad treat their
patients with.


-Melissa Johns