Building a New Life: How a Community Helped Doug Find Health & Stability

When Jenn first met Doug, it was during an outreach Wellness Wednesday visit at the Lawrence Community Shelter. Doug’s health screening indicated high blood pressure so Jenn, Heartland’s Community Health Worker Program Manager, immediately took action.

“He said that he had some concerns about his blood pressure that day when he got his screening from the health department,” Jenn shared. “So we got him scheduled with a primary care provider, Jill.”

At his appointment, Jill Burgen, APRN, conducted a full assessment and prescribed medication to manage Doug’s blood pressure. Jenn recalls, “Jill got you on medications, and your blood pressure is quite a bit improved now.”

But Doug’s journey with Heartland didn’t stop there. Jenn and her team have been working closely with him on multiple aspects of his health and well-being.

“We’re also working with Doug on his dental care,” Jenn explained. “We’ve helped him with transportation, sent a referral for housing services, and watched him go from homelessness at the community shelter to now getting his permanent housing.”

Doug’s road to success has been supported by a network of community partners. Through Heartland’s collaboration with the Lawrence Douglas County Health Department, Doug received essential health screenings. The Lawrence Community Shelter provided him with a safe place during his most challenging times, while the Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging offered vital assistance with his vision and hearing needs. Just Food, through Heartland’s Care Cupboard, helped ensure Doug had access to nutritious food, supporting his journey to better health.

Doug’s progress is evident in his own words. He mentions how this community of support has been crucial in helping him rebuild his life: “They helped me get glasses so I can see again, referred me to people to check on my hearing, and Karen is helping me get food through SNAP.”

Doug is now in the process of securing permanent housing and even looking to give back to the community. “Now I’m going through the process of becoming a volunteer,” Doug noted.

Now Doug is preparing to move into his new apartment, marking a significant milestone in his journey. Jenn expressed her excitement: “As of this week, he is getting his apartment, so he will be housed, and that’s a huge success story.”

Doug’s story highlights the impact of comprehensive, compassionate care at Heartland Community Health Center and the power of community partnerships. It’s a testament to what’s possible when a community comes together to support one another.

If you or someone you know needs medical care, dental services, or assistance with housing, food, or behavioral health, contact Heartland at (785) 841-7297.