Patient Stories …Our “Why”
The physicians and providers at the clinic will tell you that “everyone who walks through this door has a story.”  And they touch the heart.  That is because we serve people, sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, husbands and wives…families.  Families with needs like everybody else.  But most of them have nowhere to turn to for health care.

Diane F. – had undergone five operations to remove cancerous growths, then was laid off from her automotive manufacturing job and found herself without health insurance to help her continue cancer screenings. Then she found the Traverse Health Clinic. She now is able to have regular screenings and comes in for regular doctor visits. “This clinic has helped me through. I’m getting the meds and support I need. Dr. Leslie is the best. I’ve been helped and I believe in passing it on.” Diane, with 46 years of marriage and 25 years in automotive manufacturing, has found her calling. She is now a home health care aide and “doing what I’m meant to do.”

Ron W. – has a wife and two young children. And bills to pay. Despite his and his wife’s good jobs, they were still in the lower income bracket and weren’t making enough to afford health care… and Ron was in need of medical intervention in his life. For four months, he experienced increasing chest pains, numbness in the arm and three fingers, yet he resisted seeking medical attention because he “didn’t want to put my family farther in debt.” When he finally ended up at our door, his blood sugar readings were off the charts. The Clinic directed him to get to the ER at once, and he needed 2 days at Munson Medical Center to stabilize his system. The physicians at the hospital told him his condition was very serious and he wouldn’t have lived much longer. Since then, he and his wife have been enrolled in our CHAP program, he sees a specialist through our volunteer referral program, receives his monthly diabetes medicine and supplies through our med access program, and has a primary care provider. “We now have a place to go and someone to call, “ says wife, Amy, who has also been able to have some of her needs addressed. “CHAP is keeping our family healthy and happy and whole. We were desperate and had nowhere else to turn. This family would no longer be together if it weren’t for CHAP.”

Dee – When Dee came to us, the bone on her lower jaw had deteriorated so much that her teeth wobbled and she was unable to bite. She needed, and received, extensive oral health work, thanks to a voucher program we have contracted with a low cost dental service supplier. Now, her chronic pain and infections are gone. “Having a healthy mouth has improved my job. I drive a school bus for public transportation and kids have noticed a change in me too. They say I am nicer. I enjoy my job more now that I am free of pain.” Dee also has been able to receive corrective eyewear (nice for your children’s bus driver) and has had other needs addressed. “I feel great! Without CHAP assistance, I don’t know where I’d be today—I was in so much pain.”