Health Delivery Systems

Living in a rural area of Mississippi, I see firsthand the challenges many residents face in accessing healthcare. High-quality care extends beyond physical health to include the psychosocial, cultural, and emotional dimensions of each patient. Working in a medically underserved area has deepened my understanding of health inequities, as many of my patients lack insurance and have limited access to preventive services.

To address these barriers, I have worked with a local free healthcare clinic that provides essential care, including free medications, healthcare, dental services, and household essentials and food, to uninsured patients. The clinic, supported by a local church and government grants, serves as a critical lifeline for the community. I have volunteered there as a nurse alongside many of my colleagues, helping to ensure vulnerable populations receive the care they need. They depend on local healthcare workers to volunteer to keep the facility operating, and we are blessed to have this facility, unlike many other rural areas throughout Mississippi.