Courage and Resilience Witnessed at the Front Desk

For the past year, Doctors Care’s Volunteer Manager, Jana Baker, has served as the front desk greeter, a position typically held by a volunteer. Since most volunteers have chosen to stay safer at home during COVID-19, Jana “volunteered” to step in to fill this critical function at Doctors Care. Recently, we asked Jana to give us a glimpse into her experience at the front desk during the pandemic. Here is what she had to say:

In one fell swoop last March, our patients went from being greeted by smiling, devoted long-time volunteers to an unfamiliar person – me. Standing behind a plexiglass wall while donning a mask and visor, with warning signs all around, I took temperatures, screened everyone for potential COVID exposures, and served as a traffic controller, directing patients into the most socially distant waiting room. I had the privilege to observe our patients and clients adapting to our new reality with courage, humor, and resilience in those dark first few months of the pandemic. I have been continually impressed by:

  • Patients recognizing their stress and asking for mental wellness help.
  • Parents of newborns braving a vaccine appointment without their partner
  • Older adults who are new to technology, eagerly learning to engage with providers during telehealth appointments
  • Those who recently lost their health insurance successfully navigating the new world of Medicaid
  • Very young children dutifully wearing a mask (batman and unicorn ones are my favorite,) while having their temperature taken upon arrival
  • Stressed out moms bringing in their kids and still laughing when I tell them they are cooler than their teenager – by temperature that is
  • Many patients thanking us and wishing us safe and well as they leave the clinic

It has been a wild 12 months, but we could not be more proud of our wonderful patients and clients who have met the challenge of taking care of their healthcare needs amid a pandemic. It goes without saying how impressed we are with all our staff, rising to the challenge that is COVID-19. We are genuinely grateful for Jana, our receptionists, medical assistants, volunteer providers, and the few volunteers who have willingly placed our patients’ and clients’ health needs before their own.

Pictured Left: Jana Baker, Doctors Care Volunteer Manager

The Importance of Health Insurance

Recently, President Joe Biden signed an executive order to reopen enrollment to the Health Insurance Marketplace. In conjunction with President Biden’s executive order, the state of Colorado is opening a special enrollment period from

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