Addressing Healthcare Concerns Through LoveINC

By Robin Fleming

This month’s conversation concerns the intersection between poverty and healthcare. We have discussed systemic and individual barriers to adequate healthcare for people in poverty as well as how health issues contribute to keeping people in a state of perpetual financial need. We have also applied God’s lens of justice and mercy, and have identified the need for systemic changes that spring from compassion and promote just treatment of all.

The next question, since we here at Love INC are the ones preaching the sermon, is how are we “putting our money where our mouth is” by addressing the systemic and individual barriers to adequate healthcare? I will suggest some ways in which we strive to make a difference. Then I will offer reasons we are limited in what we can do at the moment, and I will end with how you might help to change that.

First, when we interview neighbors with needs, we ask questions about their “physical wheel,” including questions about health concerns and habits. This helps us identify internal and external barriers, as well as pathways, to taking next steps toward healthier living. From there, we refer individuals to medical resources, recommend food banks in their area, suggest habits that support good health, and more. We may also make personal visits to neighbors to establish deeper connection and understanding of the need and then facilitate the meeting of the need through nearby members of Christ’s body. This results in indirect and direct improvement of physical well being in the community.

We also seek to address healthcare needs through our recently-inaugurated Healthy Habits program. The “level 101” introduction into the program is our Affirming Potential class, which guides class participants to reflect on their “physical wheel,” identify personal and external helps and hindrances to healthy living, and try new ways of thinking, behaving, and problem solving.

This is all very good as far as it goes. But it’s limited. We are not currently involved in advocacy for systemic changes in our county, but are working primarily within one relationship and one situation at a time. Another limitation is our current ability to meet only a small range of needs in the community because only a small range of resources is offered by the churches that make up our network. In addition, although there is a longish list of churches tightly or loosely connected to this Love INC network, the gaps we try to meet are usually served by one church in response to requests from all over the county. For example, only Zoar Lutheran Church in Canby serves as a Love INC partner to meet needs for furniture and other household items for Clackamas County neighbors.

So, what can you do? How about starting a conversation with others in your church circle to identify your talents, skills, and material resources? Then explore ways you might use those to serve those in need in your community. What if someone in your circle is knowledgeable about exercise or healthy and economical food preparation and is adept at sharing those things? Maybe someone has the time and means to take people to and from medical appointments. Can someone do home repairs to create healthier home environments? Who has the passion and skills for advocacy for greater justice and mercy at the county and statewide levels? Take this further. Brainstorm with others in your church family and then commit to walking out next steps toward serving the health of your neighbors.