Educating a Family

This post is written by Apiffani Binion.

Apiffani is a Community Care Partner/ Community Health Work at Advocate Trinity Hospital.

One afternoon, I was just sitting down to lunch at my desk, when my office phone rings. An in-network phone number appeared on the display. I contemplated letting the call go straight to voicemail because it was my lunch break, and I had quite a busy morning. However, I didn't recognize the number, so I answered anyway.'Hi, is this Apiffani?" a familiar voice said.'Yes, this is me, I replied.'You're the one who came to talk to me about asthma and hypertension today right?" she asked.'If you're still in the hospital can you come back real quickly?"'No problem, I will be there shortly," I said as I covered my chicken sandwich with plastic wrap. I was walking down the hall imagining all the millions of things the client could possibly need as I approached the room. I was even more confused when I noticed two concerned faces in the room, which had not been present when I left. The client exclaimed,'Hey everybody, this is Ms. Apiffani. I know you are busy, but my mama and sister are here. I want you to show them everything you showed me."

This was a winning moment, and I was very relieved to find that everything was okay. By talking to my client's mother and sister, I was able to share valuable health education that they may not have been received otherwise. I learned so much more about her family environment, habits at home, and the impact these factors had on her conditions. The confidence I had that my client's health would improve skyrocketed because she valued the tools I shared and she had the support of her amazing family.

The Advocate Trinity program my client participates in is Project H.E.A.L.T.H. (Healing Effectively After Leaving the Hospital). This program was started in collaboration with faith organizations on the south side of Chicago. Participants are educated on their condition and maintenance prior to discharge. After they arrive at home they receive follow-up and support. We provide wellness checks, patient navigation, and primary care access over four weeks. As a community health worker, I help people to take ownership of their health and to reach a level of understanding such that they can pass on what they learn to those they care for most. The educational session with my clients lasts about 30 minutes, and the assistance that I provide to my client may last for only four weeks. However, the knowledge and care they spread to their family, friends, and community can last a lifetime. It is through the individuals whom we serve that we are able to make the greatest impact and reach the most people.