Dear Dr. Cotton and DDC Staff:I am truly touched by your generous Christmas gifts of 307 beautiful blankets to the Enterprise Community residents of Charleston.You will never know the differences that this project has made for our senior citizens and needy families. Several residents told me that the blankets were the only Christmas gift that they would get this year. One guy, who is terminally ill with lung cancer, reported that he had been sleeping in the back of his van and the blanket was needed to keep him warm, as he has no money for gas. He worked until his illness and was productive. He is afraid of the homeless shelter because he is on chemotherapy. His young family lives on Edisto Island but he does not have money for travel; thus, he stays close by in Charleston’s Enterprise Community. He is new to our program and we are working to assure that he is linked with available services; however, we find many who are falling through service gaps and who do not identify their needs. Another person shared that she covered her bed with coats because she
could not afford to keep her heat on at night. She was not complaining
about her situation but was just thankful for the blanket. These are just
a few of the stories that people shared.
I wish each of you a healthy, happy holiday season as we all work together to improve the health of our community and to demonstrate caring and warmth for our fellow citizens in a most meaningful way. Some of us can give material goods, others give quality health care, while others improve the system to make a difference. Each of us can make a difference in our health care system. ...Again, have a healthy, happy new year and thank you for making a difference. Carolyn Jenkins, Dr.P.H., RNC
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