Now Serving Number...

This morning I had to take advantage of the FREE local healthcare clinic in my neighborhood. I am one of the many uninsured in this country and had no choice but to go to the clinic. What an experience! I get there and of course...there's a huge line. As I'm waiting in line I look around and realize that my son and I are the ONLY Non-Hispanic people in the place. So we wait our turn and FINALLY get to the window where we are told that they don't do what we were there for. My son needed a TB test and this clinic does not administer TB tests without an accompanying test. So...they gave us a list of other clinics (none nearby) where we COULD go and get a simple TB test alone. Not a very productive morning. As my son and I walked back home I reflected back on the experience that we just had. Why is it that we were the ONLY non-Hispanic people in the place? That troubled me. Our Hispanic brothers and sisters have done an excellent job of finding out where the resources are, and utilizing them. My Black brothers and sisters...not so much. I am SURE that there are Black people who are suffering from health issues (like Diabetes, HIV/AIDS, High blood pressure, etc.) and they are NOT getting treated. They are NOT utilizing the resources that are available to them and for this reason, Black people are DYING... unnecessarily. That troubles me deeply. And this is why I had to write about the subject. To all of my Black brothers and sisters out there, PLEASE...educate yourselves! Find out about the resources that are available in the community and GET HELP. Whether it's medical help, help staying in your home, help find safety if you're being abused...whatever it is...GET HELP. It's out there. Use it...PLEASE. Do I sound like I'm begging? I am. I don't want anymore of you to die prematurely. It just makes no sense. Get help...and LIVE. Let the DIALOGUE begin: Are you uninsured? If so, have you had to visit a free clinic in your neighborhood? Talk to me! Til next time...