This blog is my public diary of experiences that I've had as I become increasingly involved in the area of Kensington, Pa. I am including experiences that I am having as I sit down, one on one, with homeless people who are dealing with Substance Use Disorder.
All Names have been changed and, occasionally, I share a story using the opposite pronoun (he/she him/her), as an additional way to assure privacy.
Please Know...
As I come to know these fine people, they share with me more of their personal and sensitive stories. Their collective story is what I am trying to share with you as my way of breaking the stereotypical beliefs that exist. "Blog names" have occasionally been given to me by the person whose story I am telling. Names are never their actual names and wherever I can do so, I might use the opposite pronoun (his/her, etc.) just to help increase their privacy.
Throughout this blog you are now seeing advertising. I need to provide this so as to keep going financially with this ministry. If you see something that is inappropriate to this site, please let me know - maybe get a screen shot of it for me. I do get credit for any "click" that you might make on any of the ads. If you're bored some night and want to help me raise some needed cash, visit my site and click away to your heart's content....
It would have been better for Amy if that nurse had encouraged her to stay in the E.R. instead of telling her to leave.
Here is Amy now during a recent interview with AML Films:
Please take the time to listen and learn from her.
Please pray that Amy finds the healing she longs for so much.
Healthcare Disparity: An Interactive Experience
Two Paths, One System
This is an interactive exploration of healthcare disparity. The following story, based on a real report, illustrates how a patient's insurance can dramatically alter their path to recovery. Use the buttons below to navigate through the key stages of their journeys.
Allison's Journey (Medicaid)
🚨 A Fateful Moment
Allison experiences a substance use overdose on the steps of an elevated train line. A bystander administers Narcan, reviving her just as emergency services arrive.
🏥 Dismissal from Care
Transported to a nearby hospital, Allison is not admitted or offered comprehensive evaluation. Instead, after a short time in the emergency room, a nurse tells her to leave, offering no resources or plan for follow-up care.
❓ An Uncertain Future
Left without support, guidance, or a connection to treatment services, Allison is returned to the very environment that contributed to her crisis. Her immediate medical needs were addressed, but her underlying condition was ignored.
📉 A Cycle of Vulnerability
The system failed to provide a bridge to recovery. Without intervention, patients like Allison often face a revolving door of crisis and insufficient care, making long-term recovery incredibly difficult to achieve.
A Different Story (Private Insurance)
🚨 A Fateful Moment
A young person experiences a similar substance use overdose. They are found by family, who call for an ambulance while providing initial support.
🏥 Compassionate Intervention
At the hospital, the patient is admitted for observation. A social worker and a psychiatrist are consulted immediately to assess the patient's condition and history of substance use.
🤝 A Coordinated Plan
Before discharge, the care team works with the family to create a comprehensive recovery plan. They provide referrals to inpatient treatment facilities covered by their insurance and arrange for immediate admission.
📈 A Bridge to Recovery
The system provides a clear, supportive, and well-funded pathway to treatment. This coordinated intervention significantly increases the chances of successful, long-term recovery.
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