Many of you may not know but back in November of 2022 I slipped on ice and torn the quadricep tendon on my right leg. This tendon is responsible for helping your leg bend. I had to have surgery in December of 2022, and I now must keep my leg straight for the next 3 months. Since it is my right leg, I am unable to drive so I must depend on others to get me to and from work as well as to my many doctors’ appointments. In my role as the Diversity Officer for Berkshire Health System I support all the areas across the county which extend from Vermont to Connecticut. I also work with many of the community organizations across the county. It has made connecting with people challenging.
During this time, I recognize that I am blessed. I am blessed with an amazing support system of family and friends. If I need to get somewhere help is just a call away. Still, I am challenged because I want to get to areas like Great Barrington and North Adams to show my support as the Diversity Officer. I began looking at public transportation. I grew up in Boston so utilizing this mode of transportation is not foreign to me. I wanted to get to Great Barrington and if I wanted transportation from Dalton, I would have to make 2 transfers at Pittsfield and Lee. If I caught the bus at 630 am from Dalton, I would arrive in Great Barrington after 9 am and I would have to be mindful of the return trip as the buses stop running after 6 pm.
I also investigated our limited ride share as well as our taxi service and that would cost $35 to $50 one way. I have the resources that many do not have so I could make this work for the short time. What I started to realize is what do people do that do not have the support I have. How does a single mother with three children no car or family support travel from North Adams to Pittsfield to a medical appointment. Think of the challenges this presents when it comes to cost, time, and possibility of having to bring the children with you because there is no one to watch them. I only need to worry about myself in trying to get from one place to another. I do not have to face the challenges a large part of the population in Berkshire County has to face. It puts into perspective the importance of looking at health equity and partnering with the community organizations across the county on how we can support those who need our help.
When I told someone that I was going to utilize public transportation they looked at me and said don’t do that, I will give you a ride if you need one. I thought to myself if it is good enough for many of our population then why not me. I am not above using public transportation, but I also see the limitations and challenges it has for so many people. When we honor Dignity, it helps us to view the world around us. It helps us to see the world differently. It helps us understand how important it is to give to those who need our help.
Coretta Scott King said, “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.”
I am moving forward with compassion, and I am moving forward with action. I know I cannot change the world alone, but I am fortunate that I get to team with amazing people across this county to help make a difference.
“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” – Mother Teresa
Go out and create those ripples
Charles Redd RN
Dignity Freedom Fighter
Dignity Freedom Fighter 