I had spent much of my growing up and adulthood looking for acceptance. I wanted to feel like I belonged, and I wanted to be acknowledged, and included. In that journey I learned that it all starts with me and how I see myself. As I continue my personal dignity journey and as I learned to honor my own dignity it became even more important for me to uplift others as they go through their own journey. Today I want to recognize our primary care practices at Berkshire Health Systems.
On Thursday, April 10th I was asked to speak with some of the leaders in our primary care practices. I spoke about dignity, and I talked about my experiences. I struggle sometimes because my hope is that in those conversations, I can bring some value. What happens more often is that I get some insight during those conversations that bring me clarity and understanding. I want to share with you what I got from speaking to these great leaders.
In my health equity work I am often out in the community. I speak with people from across the county and it helps give me and the organization insight into the challenges we face as a community. My conversations with the leaders in primary care opened my eyes to the fact that they are the frontline when it comes to community health. Most people in the county get their health care at their primary care office. We learn more about our patients and the community based on the amazing work being done by providers (MD, NP, PA), nurses (RN, LPN), medical assistance (MA), and clinical support representative (CSR). The challenge for them is staffing which can present challenges with seeing their current patients while trying to figure out how to get new patients in and seen.
On average in Berkshire County for every 900 people there is only one primary care physician. Even when you can get the patients into the office you need the nurses, CSRs and MAs. It can make for some challenges and can create an environment that can be high in stress. It takes strong leadership, and a group of people how are passionate about the work they do to get through these challenging times.
Even with the staffing challenges our primary care practices continue to receive positive feedback from the community they serve. It speaks to great leadership and the team’s commitment to excellence. As we work towards getting them the support they need. I want to say thank you for all you do for this community.
I want to thank the leaders in primary care practices for asking me to speak and for giving me the opportunity to meet you. We cannot be successful in our journey to improve the health of Berkshire County without you. You are our front line and our connection to the community.
Maya Angelou once said, “Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud” Please know you do that every day.
Charles Redd RN
Dignity Freedom Fighter
Dignity Freedom Fighter 