From The Herald-Sun
DURHAM -- Staff members at Duke Health Center at Roxboro Street are more than dedicated workers. They love their patients, and have been digging into their own pockets to prove it.
During the past four years, the staff has tried to make life safer and a little easier for patients whose lives are often burdened by poverty and illness.
The clinic at 4020 N. Roxboro St. serves about 6,000 patients a month -- mostly children whose families have low incomes.
Many depend on public transportation. So when the two bus stops near the clinic were moved to the other side of traffic-congested Roxboro Street, that forced patients to dodge five lanes of traffic -- often with young children in tow -- to get to the clinic.
It was a dangerous situation, and clinic staff knew it. In response, they worked to have two new bus stops placed on nearby Pacific Avenue, which means patients can now get from the bus to the clinic without risking their lives.
The staff's next project was to have shelters installed at the bus stops, but that fell through when the owner of the property balked. Instead, clinic workers chipped in $500 of their money to buy two benches so families can sit while waiting for the bus.
But the benches provided no protection from rain, heat or cold, so staff bought umbrellas and ponchos to give out. They're also collecting money for child car seats for patients.
"This team is pretty amazing," said Sherri Woody, the center's administrator. "They're very committed to this vulnerable patient population."
Front desk staff have even used their money to make co-pays for patients who can't afford it.
Woody said small gestures mean a lot to someone who has little.
"The patients are incredibly grateful," Woody said. "Everyone who works here could have easier jobs, but they're all committed," Woody said. "This is what feeds their soul."
Read the original article by The Herald Sun
