A 35-year-old woman shared the following with TJC:
“There are countless well-intentioned programs, policies, and organizations established to assist low-income people but more often than not, the process in place for accessing the resources is a detrimental challenge. Poorly maintained websites, complicated qualifications, limited hours of service, corrupt red tape, burnt out staff – these unnecessary barriers can be a significant difficulty to someone in need.
When you are traumatized, have limited transportation, are using an older digital device, have a physical or learning disability, work an uncommon hourly schedule, have a unique income, speak English as a second language, or are experiencing mental health struggle, these confusing processes can be too much to handle.
It’s on the providers to do better – to keep online content up to date, to understand the user experience conditions for who they serve, to get translators and disability accommodations, to challenge restrictive eligibility requirements, and to treat applications like valuable fellow citizens.”
She also commented that she’s experienced a variety of health disparities: a lack of health insurance, problems caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, and an inability to make healthcare appointments because of a lack of transportation.
She is urging our politicians to implement universal health care and TJC echoes that sentiment.