In the worst-case scenario, the person seeking care gives up due to obstacles, leaving the health care problem unresolved.
Serving the Greater Trenton area since 2006, Trenton Health Team works with a variety of community partners to expand access to high-quality, coordinated, cost-effective health care, while addressing housing quality, food security, neighborhood safety, education and social inequities inextricably linked to poor health outcomes.
Cheryl Towns, BSN, RN, chief community care officer, Trenton Health Team
Cheryl Towns, BSN, RN, Trenton Health Team’s chief community care officer, spoke with NJ Advance Media about the obstacles many individuals face when seeking health care, and how they can be overcome.
Q: What are the most common obstacles people encounter when seeking needed health care or health services?
A: In the worst-case scenario, the person seeking care gives up due to obstacles, leaving the health care problem unresolved. Access to care, limited appointment availability, and patient demand for care that would otherwise be provided through doctor office visits all contribute to the patient population flooding emergency rooms.
Q: What strategies do you recommend for overcoming these obstacles?
A: Recommended strategies for overcoming these obstacles range from teaching the community about preventative care to increasing affordable health care resources in these underserved communities.
Q: What advice do you have for effectively advocating for oneself in navigating the health care system?
A: My suggestions would be to prepare yourself before attending a doctor’s appointment. Two, write down symptoms and questions for your physician. Three, understand preventive methods and know when to seek medical treatment. Four, be vocal. Do not let your unresolved medical condition go untreated. If you must seek a second or third opinion, do your best to attain one. Learn to become a decision-maker in your treatment plan.
Q: How can people enlist allies or supportive organizations when they face obstacles to obtaining health care?
A: This work cannot be done by one organization alone. We need a community toolbox, a list of local organizations that are all working together to improve the health of the community at large. Contact your Federally Qualified Health Center if you need health care.
The FQHC is a federally funded, nonprofit health center or clinic that serves medically underserved areas and populations. Federally qualified health centers provide primary care services regardless of your ability to pay. Speak to your local church leaders, community centers, social service and food agencies for assistance.
Q: What is the single most important thing you want people to keep in mind about pursuing and obtaining the care they need?
A: The most important thing I want people to know is that you are essential; your health care matters. Don’t be ashamed to ask for help when seeking affordable health care resources. Be persistent and unapologetic when advocating for your health.
Q: How does Trenton Health Team help expand health care to individuals who need it?
A: We serve residents of the six zip codes of Trenton, with an emphasis on the vulnerable and under-resourced, and are dedicated to improving the well-being of greater Trenton by partnering with the community. Trenton Health Team is truly a team of experts, advocates, community leaders and residents. Health cannot improve without first understanding community conditions, social justice and bias. Then we must create systems and processes that address the social disparities, specifically in health care.
Equity is at the heart of our mission and drives our work on health care policy and practice.
For more information about Trenton Health Team, visit trentonhealthteam.org, or call 609-256-4555.
