Volunteer nurses offer health screenings for the community at Dégagé Ministries

Twice a month, a group of volunteer nurses faithfully hold Health Depot. These nurses perform general health screenings on our patrons to assess appropriate care. “Many patrons believe the ‘best’ healthcare is through the emergency department,” Suzan Couzens, our Faith Community Nurse, commented. “One of the main goals of Health Depot is to help our patrons access the most appropriate care according to their current health issues.

Suzan explains the program in this way, "We begin with a general health screening, asking questions regarding health history and assess risk factors for chronic health issues. (We) then provide health education and ensure our patrons are connected to health care providers who can continue to care for them or make referrals to appropriate specialists or the emergency department.”

Marcy, who stayed in our Open Door Women’s Center, was recently experiencing serious breathing issues. Suzan assessed Marcy's condition and took her to the health center where she could receive the treatment she needed. “After assessing the breathing issues she exhibited, it was obvious she would not be able to walk alone to the health center. Choosing the emergency room would have meant a long wait prior to admission,” Suzan says. We are so thankful for our faithful nurse volunteers and donors who take our patrons’ health seriously and make Health Depot a possibility.

By Molly Hilbert, Development Assistant