A Letter from Our Executive Director on #GivingTuesday
Dear Friends and Partners of Culmore Clinic,
I hope this finds you safe and well. As I'm sure your inboxes are telling you, today is #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving. This day also marks exactly three months since I joined Culmore Clinic, and what a few months it has been! COVID-19 has clearly thrown us all into a state of fear and uncertainty. And for many of us, there is a sense of real and imminent danger, both to our physical health and to our economic security. We see this clearly every day through the work of Culmore Clinic.
Our patients are experiencing an elevated amount of stress right now. Many have lost their low-wage jobs or seen drastically reduced hours. Some have received warning notices from landlords for rents they can no longer pay. They line up at food pantries to get groceries for their families and figure out if they can afford a few more minutes on their burner phones so they can keep in touch with their relatives elsewhere. Most of them won’t be getting economic stimulus checks, even though they pay taxes.
They are also starting to get sick with COVID-19. In fact, the largely Hispanic population we serve at Culmore Clinic is being disproportionately affected by COVID-19, according to recent data. It is not surprising, really, given their high exposure to the virus in the workplace, on the streets, or on buses and taxis because few have their own transportation. They have no option to work from home, and find it next to impossible to self-isolate when they live in crowded apartments with two or three other families.
The challenge for all of us is to figure out how we get through this pandemic together; build unity and solidarity in our communities, while we socially distance ourselves from each other. I believe, at Culmore Clinic, our team has started to do just that in the following ways:
By throwing open our virtual doors, when our physical ones had to close, Culmore Clinic has said to patients, "We are still here for you."
By expanding telemedicine hours and wrap-around nursing support, Culmore Clinic has comforted patients by showing them we are still keeping a close eye on their health.
By digging into our Breaking Barriers Fund to purchase prescriptions and medical supplies, Culmore Clinic has reassured patients that they don’t have to make the choice between taking care of their health and paying their rent.
By working with partners in the community to have food, medicines, medical supplies, and even homemade masks delivered, Culmore Clinic gives hope to patients.
On this #GivingTuesday, I want to thank you, dear friends and partners, for what you have given and continue to give; for being part of Culmore Clinic’s journey, especially through COVID-19; and for helping us remain the compassionate healthcare home that has become a safe haven in this storm for our most vulnerable neighbors.
Stay safe out there and please remember to visit our webpage for future Clinic updates and opportunities to engage with us more.
Warmest regards,
Anne-Lise Quinn
Culmore Clinic
Our patients need us now more than ever before. We are doing everything in our power to respond to this great need. Your support during this time, will keep our efforts going.