Stephanie* has been a patient at People’s Community Clinic for four years now. She first came to the clinic for prenatal care, but gradually she’s made People’s her medical home for regular check-ups, pediatric visits for her son, and even healthy cooking classes.
“When I was pregnant, this was the place [my friend] told me to try,” she said while perched on the exam table. “Once I found People’s I stayed. I am the type of person that when I find a place I feel comfortable with, I stay. Anytime I know someone who needs help I tell them to come here.”
The Financial Counselors on site at People’s assisted her with the paperwork she needed to pay for services and helped find ways to cover the costs she couldn’t.
She likes seeing the familiar faces of her Care Team, the team of professionals—doctors, advanced practice nurses, and medical staff—who work with Stephanie and her family.
“Once I found People’s I stayed…Anytime I know someone needs help I tell them to come here.”
The clinic tries to assure that each time Stephanie comes for a visit she sees the same team members, building a relationship founded on trust. Her provider not only asks her questions, but also makes sure she understands everything and encourages her to ask questions too.
Prior to having her first child, Stephanie worked hard to keep her weight under control. She successfully lost 40 pounds and talked to her doctor about how to keep the weight off in the long term. Stephanie’s doctor invited her to attend The Happy Kitchen/La Cocina Alegre, a series of healthy cooking classes held in People’s teaching kitchen. The classes are offered in both English and Spanish and teach nutritious, simple meals to make at home.
She even brought her son since the clinic offers free child care while parents are in class. It turned out they didn’t need it. Her son was so interested in the class she let him stay. He loved it!
“He ate there, and then again when we made the meal at home,” she said.
Everyone who attends the class is sent home with groceries to practice making the healthy recipes they learn.
Stephanie comes to People’s for the trusted care she’s come to expect, and now for classes too—one of the many great perks to being a People’s patient.
After her son was born she wanted time with him before having another child. So her physician helped her get on birth control until she and her husband were ready to have another baby.
Now, she’s expecting her second child in May 2019. And she feels prepared—boy or a girl.
* Name changed to protect patient privacy.