And always, as much as is possible, we stop to solve problems wherever they are found. The program is based on individual, family, and community defined needs and problems vs. program-defined needs such as only an illness, only an ethnic group, or only an age group. In general, most needed information on health resources is already out there. What we need to be about is connecting people with services and information. We need also to be acutely aware that in poor and under-educated communities, few people depend on printed material as an important source of information.
Language is often an issue.
We accept that communications are not complete - which is true in all relationships. We operate on the assumption that some communication is usually better than no communication. Depending on the right translators would have meant cancer untreated, hypertension undetected, births without prenatal care, vaccinations undone, food stamps benefits lost, and on and on and on. In all cases, a goal of care is increasing patient independence so that ultimately the patient is registered with a provider such as the East Dallas Health Center, knows how to make appointments, and is able to recognize the need to seek health care. She had an eleven year old son with Down's, a thirteen year old daughter who provided most of Mrs. C's care, and a fifteen year old son who was sent to prison midway through the course of care.