Breaking Down Barriers One Step at a Time

Public health differs from clinical practice given that it works to improve the health of communities and populations as a whole, instead of focusing on the health of one individual. This would be pretty difficult to do without the collaboration of many professionals. Partnerships with multiple organizations help to expand resources and increase the ability to make lasting change in a community.

At the Multiple Sclerosis Society, we connect persons living with multiple sclerosis to local programs and services that can benefit them physically, mentally, financially, and even socially. Although we have a long list of beneficial programs and services, our work would not be possible without the collaboration of many other organizations. That said, sometimes the needs of a client go above and beyond our capabilities alone, so we refer them to other community resources that can address the remaining needs. Recently, an individual we serve had an incredible amount of debt and home utilities had been terminated long ago. With the winter months approaching, there was a greater need to address the situation. With the support of the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities of Pittsburgh, St. Vincent DePaul, and our own financial assistance program, we were able to do just that, work together with these organizations towards a common goal and address the situation. 

Individuals with multiple sclerosis often operate at a disadvantage due to the fact that they cannot always move around easily. This issue can become a chain reaction because if mobility is limited as a result of physical changes, working and driving often become issues as well. Without a stable job, people tend to struggle financially, and without driving, how are they expected to get to their doctor appointments among other engagements? In turn, many people with multiple sclerosis ignore important tasks altogether and let central parts of life fall by the wayside. The Multiple Sclerosis Society exists to provide programs and services to ensure that this does not happen. It is our goal to eliminate barriers that some individuals face every day, barriers that most of the community never has to consider.

There are numerous programs and events coordinated by the Multiple Sclerosis Society. My favorite program we provide is the What a Difference a Day Makes, in which individuals with multiple sclerosis can apply to have home projects performed by groups of volunteers coordinated by the Multiple Sclerosis Society. We complete tasks such as painting, landscaping, power washing, carpet cleaning, etc. It is a great opportunity to unite everyone working together for the same cause. During the program, a client we assisted mentioned that she has not set up porch furniture for the last few years because she could not stand to see her yard. Due to mobility issues, she has not been able to landscape her lawn like in years past. When we finished, she was so excited because she was finally going to be able to sit on her porch and enjoy some fresh air without the stress of the state of her yard. It was rewarding to know that at the very least, we made her day a little brighter with a few hours of service.

I anticipate more opportunities to eliminate barriers for clients and plan to use each as a learning experience while my career unfolds. Although I am just beginning my AmeriCorps journey with the Multiple Sclerosis Society, I cannot wait to see where it is going to take me.