Many Arlington Free Clinic patients were among the first in our community to lose their jobs in construction, restaurants, cleaning, and childcare. These are the people who struggle with food, transportation, and housing during good times, so this crisis has really heightened and highlighted tremendous needs.
Anabel, our Social Services Case Manager, helps meet patients’ non-medical needs by providing referrals for local resources. The importance of her work is even more apparent within the current context.
Our staff on the frontlines – the nurses, medical assistants, eligibility specialist, and receptionist – refer patients directly to Anabel when they detect a need. Once notified, she jumps on the phone and provides information and referrals. She’s noticed a significant increase in need for supplemental food, rental assistance, and transportation.
Like many of us, AFC patients are worried about leaving their homes due to the seriousness of the outbreak – it’s a risk to themselves and those (often multiple families) they live with to use public transportation or visit crowded grocery stores. We have sadly discovered that many patients are afraid of getting stopped for being outside of their homes for valid purposes – such as seeking needed medical treatment – and being “picked up” for immigration reasons.
Anabel is dogged in her efforts to ensure our patients’ needs get met. This has meant persistent follow-up, virtual sources of relief whenever possible, and even curbside drop-offs of documents and supplies as a last resort.
Read our entire 2020 Spring Newsletter.
The Helpers of AFC
President’s Message
Dental Update
Adopting Telehealth at AFC
Caring for the Mind & Spirit
Check-in Calls: AFC is Here to Help!
Clinical & Program Updates
Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Matching Grant Opportunity
A Note from a Supporter