While in Tutwiler

Because I (Kirk) couldn't figure out how to post, I'm writing through Kate's account.  Indeed our experience has been a journey.  It has been a journey to learn about rural medicine, a journey to help build a house, a journey to find ways to serve in little ways with great love. My experience thus far has truly been a blessing.  I'm grateful for the second years who paved the way for us, and also very much grateful for the doctors and patients who have allowed us to learn about their lives and perspectives on health and healing.  I have had the opportunity to shadow Dr. Traore at the Aaron E. Henry Clinic and Dr. Brooks in the Tutwiler Clinic.

Rebecca, David, and I were the first group to shadow at the Aaron E. Henry Clinic.  Before going we arrived at the administration center to have our driver's licensse scanned and turn in other paper work.  We thought we would be losing time to be in the clinic, but going to the administration center turned out to be a great experience.  We met everyone who makes the Aaron E. Clinic functional, but also met those who participate in providing transportation to the people of Coahoma County.  In addition to buses and trolleys that transport the people to and from jobs or other destinations, they also operate a mobile clinic.  In brief words, it was like a huge travel bus with three examination rooms, paperwork station, and miniature lab. They would travel across the county especially to schools to provide services to children.  It certainly alleviated barriers to access including transportation and scheduling issues like parents not being able to leave work to take children to the doctor.

While at the Aaron E. Henry Clinic Dr. Booker gave us a tour of the facility.  It was really nice and I was actually surprised because I expected more basic conditions, but the clinic was very much like Community Health Clinic (CHC) back in Chicago.  In working as a phlembotomist at CHC, we use Quest diagnostics for all blood work testing, and the Aaron E. Henry Clinic also uses Quest Diagnostics, not to mention, the doors, hallways, and exam rooms for some reason just reminded me of CHC.  Perhaps I just had CHC on my mind because in all honesty many clinics and exam rooms are arguably the same.  Regardless, I was just surprised about how new and nice it looked.  On the other hand, the Tutwiler Clinic was consistent with my original ideas of what a rural clinic might look like, but what it lacked in technology and new facilities, it made up for with the supportive and loving environment provided by the doctors and nurses.

Today was a special day because Dr. Brooks came to our lodging during lunch to tell us her story, but also give better context to our experiences here.  She is a truly remarkable woman.  Her words gave a deeper meaning to our our work here with Habitat for Humanity to aid in the project of building a home.  She showed us pictures of the homes that she visits and shared stories of the people who lived there.  She told us that when someone has a home, it brings a renewed sense of pride and motivation to take care of themselves.  Simply having a home improves ones health, but also restores dignity lost to unfortunate circumstances.  I felt so moved because she was so genuinely grateful for us being here in Tutwiler.  We are only here for one week installing insulation and dry-wall for the house currently being built.  In addition to this, we are also shadowing in the clinics to learn about the disparities that exist in a rural health care setting.  I feel grateful to be here, to have this opportunity, and to listen to the stories of patients.  And for Dr. Brooks to share her feelings of gratitude was indeed inspirational because it reaffirmed that small acts of kindness do make great difference.  I feel so blessed and excited to share my experience with family and friends upon returning home.


Kirk