Another Option
The need for another nurse (or two) has directly impacted our clients.
When Jane called AlphaCare, she was looking to have her pregnancy confirmed via an ultrasound. Jane needed this confirmation in order to schedule an appointment with an abortion provider. As our Receptionist Kathleen explained to Jane, we were unfortunately booked out for weeks. This just did not work – Jane wanted to be seen immediately!
With only one part-time nurse on staff, this had become a common dilemma for women hoping to schedule an appointment. Kathleen knew this was a time-sensitive issue for Jane and the life of her unborn baby. Thankfully, AlphaCare partners with other local pregnancy resource centers that do not have such a high scheduling demand, and Kathleen provided Jane with a name and number. Kathleen knew that this was still not quite enough help, so she offered to schedule Jane for an “options” appointment with a member of AlphaCare’s Program staff. The purpose of this type of appointment is to offer encouragement to women in their pregnancy decision by informing them of the resources available to them. We let them know that we are willing to walk alongside them through their pregnancy and after they deliver, so that they know we will support them in choosing life. Jane agreed, and she was scheduled for an appointment with our Client Advocate, Karissa.
Karissa met with Jane, who was feeling unsure about parenting and confused about her personal circumstances. Jane already had another baby, was newly engaged and did not know the identity of the father of her unborn baby. Jane had some desire to parent again, yet she felt that adding a baby to her responsibilities and financial challenges would be too much of a burden, with limited resources and support. When Karissa told Jane that there were resources available to her, she was surprised. Jane did not know places existed that could help her family through this challenging time. Nevertheless, the appointment ended in uncertainty. Karissa asked Jane if she could call her back the following week after her pregnancy confirmation appointment, and Jane agreed.
A week later, Karissa dialed Jane’s number. Jane answered the phone but still had more questions that needed answering before she could confidently make her decision. Karissa was able to answer all of Jane’s questions and provide concrete, long-term solutions – including information on insurance, affordable healthcare, housing and baby items. By the end of the call, Jane decided to parent! Jane worked with Karissa to schedule prenatal care instead of pursuing an abortion. Jane has since enrolled in Social Services at AlphaCare.