Two tons of medical supplies, more than 1,000 H1N1 vaccines and hundreds of antibiotics, and it was all free for anyone in Connecticut without health insurance.
My experience at the free health clinic was an incredible and even more eye opening experience than I had thought. On a professional level, it was amazing to see and meet so many organizations just waiting to help others. I was excited to know that there were so many doctors and nurses along with many volunteers and social service agencies ready and available to provide assistance to those in need.
End Hunger Connecticut! was there to provide SNAP/Food Stamp information and determine eligibility for attendees. I was surprised by how many people were unaware of their eligibility for SNAP benefits. It was a shocking experience to see so many people come through- each with their own passionate story. So many people have been displaced from jobs, relationships, and even homes. Hearing some clients who feel they were not eligible made me want to give them everything I had. So what I did was just that, giving them all the information that they would need to apply for SNAP benefits.
I wish I could give more to those who need it so badly. So many people were excited and happy to hear that they would be eligible for SNAP benefits. With this came many who felt ashamed and too proud to accept any help. A few patrons needed persuading in going to tables and asking for help because they could not bring themselves to ask for it.
I heard stories of injured electricians who never thought they would have to ask for help. Grown men and women cried because they couldn’t bear to hear their own story of losing what used to be their life. I wanted to make sure they knew that we were there to help them.
A member of the free clinic spoke about all the helping hands that participated that day. I became very emotional by the powerful and inspirational words. I wanted to just spread out my arms to hug and comfort the very proud people who took the courage and bravery to come out today for help. It is not easy to ask for help especially if you have never been in this situation. I wanted to commemorate each individual who worked up the courage to come in and work towards having a better and healthier life.
By 3:00 pm the free clinic had already seen over 750 people and had over 1,000 appointments with tons of walk-ins. Once patrons received health services they would filter into the social service area, where they received information about other programs.
I left the Convention Center feeling proud of what I had done that day. Although I cannot fix everything I can start by helping them to the best of my ability. Hunger is not over yet but we can help, by making hungry families something of the past.
-Jerrett Wyant, EHC! Intern
