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Bette A. Grey
Bette Grey understands the plight of the uninsured. She has walked in the shoes of those she now helps to get healthcare. She believes the life events that triggered this journey were actually bles...ver másBette Grey understands the plight of the uninsured. She has walked in the shoes of those she now helps to get healthcare. She believes the life events that triggered this journey were actually blessings in disguise to not only others but for her as well. She credits God with the nudges to begin the project. No matter what direction her life took, she always was brought back to the idea for a free clinic.
While recuperating from a vital surgery, she thought about those with the same issues who had no access to care other than through the local emergency room. And then she really thought about those who might refuse to go. She knew they would ultimately end up in the emergency room as a necessity, nearing death. She credits the ABC news program, “20/20” and the segment featuring Jon BonJovi. The performer was dedicating many dollars to a local free clinic in his community. The free clinic in Red Bank followed the Volunteers in Medicine clinic model. Bette innocently decided to explore the internet to find out about this type of clinic. She had no intentions of doing anything further but she believes God had other plans.
Fast forward with many meetings under her belt, she was able to open the fifty-first Volunteers in Medicine clinic. As she looks back, she believes the lives saved are incredible, more than she ever thought. She really thought the clinic would be more for acute illness rather than the chronic diseases the clinic have treated. Never did she expect the seriousness of the diagnoses that would lead to the deaths of everyday folks.
In the clinic, each patient becomes like a member of a large family. The volunteers and the small staff understand the population they treat. Practitioners have made the statement that the clinic reminds them of why they spent the money to go to medical school. There are no confining limitations on how long they can spend treating a patient. For many, they get something they don’t usually get in their own practices, the words “thank you”. They continue to provide their expertise to this population because of those words. Many patients once they are able to obtain insurance plead to continue to receive their care from the clinic.
There are many unknowns about the clinic’s function if the Affordable Care Act is fully implemented. Bette is hopeful those who now have no access will be able to receive the care they truly deserve.
Bette is a respiratory therapist. While completing her tasks in a variety of settings as an RT, she was always cognizant of those who had little to no access to care. Many of her life’s tasks have helped her to oversee the clinic operations.
First and foremost she credits God with giving her the talents to undertake this large project. Bette credits her family including husband Bob, sons, David (who also endured several months of no health insurance), Jeffrey and her daughter-in-law Kimberly with providing the support she has needed during this journey. She also gives credit to all of the volunteers who have diligently participated in the clinic’s happenings.
A percentage of the proceeds from the sale of this book will be used to help fund the operations of the free clinic.
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