Due to COVID-19, I have not been able to do any in-person volunteering experience. At
first, I was disappointed that I would not be able to contribute to my community during such
difficult times without putting other people at risk. I soon learned about and applied to a virtual
internship here at Crossroads, a health center that provides care to underserved populations in
the Cincinnati area. As a referral specialist, I schedule appointments and transportation, serving
as a liaison between patients and doctors. On the surface, this seems a minor step to receiving
care. However, I have come to realize that transportation, time to schedule appointments, and
even phone minutes are considered luxuries for many. These past few months have been a truly
humbling experience, illuminating the profound impact poverty has on healthcare accessibility,
especially within minority communities. I have also witnessed how COVID-19 has exacerbated
these disparities, with many patients having increasingly limited financial resources and time.
While I am not able to see these patients in person, their struggles and stories are ever-present. I
love having the opportunity to serve as an advocate for patients, making sure to communicate
with different providers in a respectful and efficient manner. This experience has also allowed
me to recognize my own privilege and continues to fuel me to understand the socioeconomic
context of each individual and how it impacts their access to healthcare. Although I may not be
able to volunteer in person for a while, I am proud of my role and being able to serve as a source
of solace and reliability in a time where that is scarce.
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