Project: DeSoto Health & Wellness Center
Organization: DeSoto Health & Wellness Center
Walls, MS
Written by Patricia Morris, Director of the Desoto Health & Wellness Center, and told by Peggy Linton, Community Development Director

Snapshot of a Typical Day
On a typical day the doors of the DeSoto Health & Wellness Center open and in walks a 57-year-old truck driver. When he first visited The Center he had lost his license due to an undiagnosed high blood glucose level. Losing his license also meant losing his job and his insurance at a time when he needed it the most. He came to us for treatment of depression and anxiety. To treat his needs we put him on medication, diet and an exercise plan. After two months of following the plan and many phone calls to check up on him and encourage him, he no longer needed the medications. After another two months of diet and exercise he tested in the normal range and has now passed his physical and is back to driving his truck.

As the day continues a 36-year-old mother of four who does not work outside of the home enters the Center. Her husband is in the construction industry, works for himself and is not able to afford an independent health insurance policy. This patient always put her children’s and family’s needs over her own due to finances and lack of insurance. When she heard that DeSoto Health Center provides affordable primary healthcare services to the working uninsured of DeSoto County, MS she came in for a check-up. At that time it had been ten years since her last Pap smear and she had never had a mammogram.

Unfortunately her Pap smear came back with suspicious cells and her eventual diagnosis called for a hysterectomy. The Center was able to obtain the services of an area gynecologist who performed the surgery at no cost. The hospital gave her a reduced rate and allowed her to make payments. The Center’s volunteer group provided baby sitters and a few meals while she was in the hospital and has kept in touch with her. By working closely with the family, The Center helped this woman maintain her health while her husband did not have to lose much work, thus keeping their income steady.

Later that afternoon a 52-year-old female patient arrives with cupcakes. She had originally come to The Center very depressed and emotional. Her husband of 30 years had just left her, she had no insurance and she had never worked outside of the home. She came in complaining of fatigue, moodiness and unable to sleep, which are all signs of depression. When she was examined by a family nurse practitioner, she admitted that she was also having some palpitations. A local laboratory provides all lab work at a very significant discount and her tests revealed that she had a thyroid condition. The Center helps patients to enroll in the many drug company Patient Assistance Programs that provide their medications free. She was placed on medication and began to feel better physically. With renewed energy she made several changes in her life. She is now working and able to support herself. This patient brings cupcakes to The Center on the 5th of every month. Her first appointment was on the 5th and she jokes it was a new birthday for her.

These patients are just a very small fraction of the people the DeSoto Health & Wellness Center sees on a daily basis. The Center generally sees patients who are sicker and have more chronic diseases because they have put off getting medical care. This is in part due to not having the funds for follow-up care or being able to afford their medications. Granted not all of these patients turn out of be success stories; we have some tragedies, but everyone who walks in the door is treated regardless of financial condition. This is all done with a staff of just three full-time and two part-time workers. Our supporters and we are proud to do our part to make DeSoto County a more productive, healthy community.

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