Patrick’s story
Having lost insurance through his past employer, Patrick R. was receiving basic medical care at Portland’s Old Town Clinic. A heavy smoker for 25 years – half his life – he needed medical services not typically accessible at the Clinic, so his physician referred him to Project Access, which then made a referral to a pulmonologist.
The lung x-ray revealed he was close to having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and at high risk for lung cancer. The news changed his life. He said, “Without the x-ray, I may never have quit smoking.” Patrick hasn’t smoked in ten months.
Most recently, he underwent endoscopy with gastroenterologist Dr. Gailan to determine further care for his long-term and long-negected acid reflux. “I am so grateful for the generosity of all the doctors who donated tests and care.
Asked about his experience with Project Access, Patrick said, “I can’t think of anything that can be improved about the Project Access process. It’s a simple process, I just filled out an application, found out if I qualified, and when I received referrals, I just had to suit up and show up.”
Patrick is now attending general studies courses at Portland Community College and is planning to return to his career in social services through work as a case manager for the city’s homeless. “If I want to be productive in the society,” he said, “my health needs to be in the best shape at all times. Old Town Clinic and Project Access gave me the ability to achieve that.”
(April 2009)
