Healthcare Hope During a Pandemic
Sometimes it is hard to believe that it has been a whole year since “Covid-19” became a household name. The pandemic seems to have dug its tentacles into every thread of our lives, obviously healthcare being at the forefront. As one of our local missions partnerships, Victory Health Partners has certainly felt the effects of the past year.
Since opening its doors in 2003, Victory Health’s goal was to serve low income, uninsured adults in an effort to not just save lives but to restore hope and dignity. In the year prior to the pandemic, the clinic was seeing over 19,000 patients a year, with around 70 patients seen daily.
Then as we know all too well, 2020 came along and dramatically changed everything. In March, along with most clinics nationwide, Victory Health saw an initial drop in patient visits. The uninsured population VHP serves oftentimes wait until their health is at a tipping point before finally coming in to be treated. According to Kim Garrett, Director for Victory Health Partners, seeing patients on a consistent and regular basis helps keep their health at bay and is a proactive measure in preventing co-morbidities like asthma and diabetes from becoming a bigger issue. During the Safer at Home order, these vulnerable patients were not able to come in for their regular check-ups. Thanks to advances in technology, Garrett says doctors at Victory Health were able to do Telehealth appointments. Plus, by following the CDC health measurements, along with extra support coming in from the payroll protection bill, grants, and local support, doors to the clinic were able to stay open.
By summer 2020, scheduled visits picked up and a sharp increase in newly uninsured patients (due to Covid related job losses) showed up. Victory Health also saw an increase in their patients anxiety and stress, which makes sense during this tumultuous year, but is especially hard for patients already struggling with mental health issues pre-Covid.
Through it all, the clinic has remained a beacon of hope for people in the Mobile community who need healthcare, in large part due to the support of local businesses and churches. And there are many different ways to help if you feel led. Garret says one very simple way is just to share about this resource to others. Word-of-mouth is is an easy way to help get the information out to people who otherwise wouldn’t know. Garrett reminds us that uninsured people are around us. They are our family and friends, baristas, painters, photographers, etc. Victory Health is a vital resource for them.
Volunteers are also currently needed to answer phones, help order medication, perform office duties, or check on patients. Donations of basic supplies such as paper towels, hand soap, and toilet paper divert money back to other clinic needs, so even a small donation really does add up.
And always, you can pray. Garrett offers several vital prayer requests specifically for Victory:
Prayers for our patients, for their healing and hearts.
Prayers for the staff, volunteers and Board, that we would be aligned with God's vision and heart for Victory.
Prayers for the continued provision, covering over the clinic and increased awareness. Prayers for abundant blessings over those who support, volunteer and have poured into Victory's ministry.
3 Pillars Resources
Biblical Teaching- Read and reflect over how God instructs us to treat those in need: Matthew 25:35-40, 1 John 3:17, Luke 3:11
Authentic Community- Like Kim Garrett suggested, try making it a point to share about all the resources Victory Health offers with people in your personal community. That could be with co-workers, neighbors, or maybe parents at your kids’ school. They may not need the services themselves, but they might know someone who does. If you are ready to volunteer at Victory Health, e-mail Amy Browning (Development Coordinator) at abrowning@victoryhealth.org.
Family Discipleship- Talk to your children about the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) and how they can serve the Lord by being like the Good Samaritan. Gather a donation bag of paper towels, hand soap, toilet paper and band-aids (because kids relate bandaids to doctors) and drop them off at the clinic.
Patient Resources
Main: (251) 460-0999
New Patients: (251) 445-0038
Dental: (251) 445-0611
Fax: (251) 460-0992
Community Services Hotline: 211
Website: victoryhealth.org
Partner With Victory Health
Director, Kim Garrett, (251) 460-2928
Development Coordinator, Amy Browning
(251) 460-4062
Clinic Information
Victory Health Partners
3750 Professional Parkway
Mobile, Alabama 36609
Monday - Thursday
7:30 am - 6:00 pm