In previous blogs, we talked about holistic health, medical homes and what the "in-need" community looks like. We know there is a need in Lawrence to provide more accessible, affordable health care, but in order to effectively meet needs, we must come to an understanding of what the need really is.

The greatest challenge of poverty is not necessarily financial. Often when we think of poverty, we may conjure images of starving families lined up for a bowl of rice or a container of water. In parts of the world such as India, Central America and Africa, this is the case. However, have you ever heard of missionaries in foreign environments report in amazement, "These people have nothing, but they are so happy”? These kinds of observations are rare here at home.

Kathy Litton, ARNP, with a volunteer by aliedwards

Here in Lawrence, we believe that the biggest issue of poverty is social. This isn't to say that there is not financial poverty, because there is, but our goal at HCHC is to show compassion and love for all our patients. We want to build a true community. We want to offer a safe and welcoming place where people can come and feel comfortable no matter their socio-economic status or illness. Instead of just offering financial relief, we believe that building genuine relationships with our patients will help make the greatest impact in their lives.

Medical provision needs to be about much more than just medicine. It needs to be about loving people; it needs to be about extending social support to patients and helping them transform their own lives. It needs to be about equipping people with the resources and tools to improve their health so they can change their lifestyles.

Changing one’s lifestyle is difficult even for those with plenty of encouragement and resources. People who exercise together are much more likely to continue exercising because of their social support group. Sometimes people go on diets together in order to more successfully reach their dieting goals. Someone who is dedicated to cutting back on fast food consumption is more likely to stop eating junk food if she has a family member or co-worker who keeps her accountable.

Making a lifestyle change without necessary resources (money for healthier food, money for a gym membership) is hard. Making a lifestyle change without any social support, without a health-conscious community is even harder.

We are much more than simply physical bodies that can be healed with a pill or procedure. It's going to take extra doses of love and compassion. We exist to offer that.