Opportunities Abound, But Not For Everyone

Lynette Sappe-Watkins

This essay is part of a series we’re calling “Without a Net: Health Outside the System,” penned by our Executive Director, Lynette Sappe-Watkins.

I love living in Northern Virginia. I lived here in the 90s, then left for a few years, only to return “home” more convinced than ever that this is where I’m supposed to be. Why do I love it? There are so many reasons, but mostly I appreciate the opportunities it provides my family. Here we can access a strong job market, great arts and sports, strong educational opportunities at all levels, and a diverse population that introduces us to many cultures. 

Are the reasons I’m living here different from those of our patients? People come to this region because there are opportunities. And for the most part that is true… until it is not. A prime example of inequality in our region is that some residents simply do not have access to excellent healthcare. No need to debate why. But fortunately, for residents.... residents who don’t have easy access to healthcare, Culmore Clinic is here.

A new report from the Northern Virginia Health Foundation (NVHF) and the VCU Center on Society and Health refers to our community as one of “lost opportunities,” which is the headline of the publication that is the update to a 2017 edition, also commissioned by NVHF. The good news is, we have new data that validates the need for the work of the Culmore Clinic as we support the medical needs of adults living in the Bailey’s Crossroads/Seven Corners corridor.

The disappointing news is that the elements that made our region of Fairfax County an “Island of Disadvantage” when the first report was released, persist, and at alarming rates. We are especially paying attention to those who are uninsured, have incomes that put them within the federal poverty level, and who have limited English proficiency.  

All of this news reinforces that the elements in the Culmore Clinic Strategic plan are completely in line with the needs of our community. To that end, we are proud to announce the addition of a Community Health Worker, Patricia Aldas, to our team. Pat, who has a rich history of working with the community on health issues as a former managed care organization liaison, is working with our patients to understand all barriers to health that may exist. In her new role, she will be not only introducing Culmore Clinic to the community and assisting with patient registration, she will also be assisting with connections to other supports throughout the area. 

And that is where opportunity again comes to mind. We are fortunate to be in a community with a social support system that provides opportunities for our neighbors. Helping patients make those connections and encouraging them to use those resources, as they use ours, is where we can begin to make an impact on the community we love and are proud to be involved with.

In this season of giving, I hope you will remember Culmore Clinic when you consider ways you can help your neighbors. We’re here to provide health and care to our community. Our patients are the mothers and fathers caring for their sons and daughters, or their mothers and fathers. How different is that from you or me? Help us bring the gift of health to your neighbors through a gift to Culmore Clinic today.