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Clinic teaches reading, improves quality of care by Cindy A. Abole Public Relations When Chris Brunson, M.D., director of MUSC’s Adult Sickle Cell Clinic, first began seeing patients she assumed that her patients would follow care directions. She quickly learned not to take her patient’s abilities for granted. Almost immediately, Brunson began to notice a pattern with some of her patients. They were struggling to keep appointments, unsure about refilling prescriptions and unable to properly follow patient directions. “I was becoming frustrated,” Brunson said. “I took things for granted concerning my patients knowledge and capabilities. I didn’t know there was a problem that reached down to the basics of reading and writing.” Instead of evading the basic issues like most of her patients who’ve kept silent about their secret most of their lives, Brunson chose to do something about it. She approached people at the Hollings Cancer Center and the Trident Literacy Association and began MUSC’s reading/math enrichment classes. “People who come here were never comfortable doing this publicly in a community program,” Brunson said. “Here, it’s a little easier. There’s a bond and trusting relationship among the students, staff and tutors.” Brunson, with help from Adult Sickle Cell managers Dawn Hall and Thelma Gaillard, helped set the wheels in motion. They contacted Maryanne Ellis, former program manager for the Trident Literacy in North Charleston for direction. The staff had their struggles but was able to secure program support and a meeting site at Hollings Cancer Center.  The program garnered funding support for workbooks, materials and computer learning programs from Hollings Cancer Center’s Coastal Control Program, Trident Literacy and the Health Sciences Foundation. Additional support came from Hollings Cancer Center director Mark Green, M.D., Daniel Nixon, M.D., professor of medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology; Daniel Hoskins, director of Cancer Prevention and Control Access Network; Dave Neff, administrator, Ambulatory Care Services and Miquel Abboud, M.D., director of the Pediatric Sickle Cell Program. Soon, patients, family members, friends, and members of the downtown Charleston community were meeting for a couple of hours, twice a day on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Volunteers were recruited through Trident Literacy, MUSC students and staff. In September, the program was relocated to the Adult Sickle Cell Clinic in Rutledge Tower. Although sometimes crowded during tutoring days (Brunson manages to run her clinic during these times), students are scattered in available offices, desks and open work areas. “I like seeing people here,” Brunson said, motioning to the clinic’s conference room filled with adults and tutors. “They’re the ones who’ve taken the big step by acknowledging their need for help and doing something about it.” Sam is a quiet, middle-aged man who learned about the Lowcountry’s literacy program last fall. After taking a placement test, he was assigned to attend classes at MUSC’s site.   “It’s been something I’ve always wanted to do,” he said, sheepishly. “I knew how to read a little. I was just unsure how to pronounce some words and understand their meanings.”  A diligent student, Sam comes to the Rutledge Tower clinic twice a week. “The best part of the program is having someone help guide me in my reading. I look forward to getting that push now and then.” Sam's ultimate goal is to obtain his GED. Another example of determination is Mr. Bailey, who at age 70, remembers leaving seventh grade to work on his family’s farm in the 1930s.  “Throughout my life, I’ve always wanted to get my GED,” he said. After contacting Trident Literacy, he took tests and found he wanted to improve his skills in math, specifically fractions, percentages and decimals. Just this past year, Bailey learned how to use a hand-held calculator. “I remember being so happy and appreciative,” he said. “I’ve discovered that it simply cuts down the amount of time needed to help solve problems.”  Like his fear with the calculator, Bailey recognized his needs and was able to seek help. “You know how it is when you don’t know how to use something,” he said with a smile. “You just shy away and avoid it.”  College of Health Professions professor and literacy volunteer Andy White, Ph.D., loves spending her time tutoring students. White was introduced to the program through one of her graduate students who volunteered regularly for Trident Literacy. Today, she hardly misses a session and finds herself planning her schedule around her Tuesday morning time block.  “The greatest joy for me is meeting the people,” she said with a smile. “People like Mr. Bailey, Sam and the others teach us all a valuable lesson each time we see them. They have proved that diligence and determination is a great attribute.”  And what makes Brunson’s clinic work as a successful literacy site? “I feel close to everyone—the students, other tutors and staff,” White said. “I think students sense that and become empowered, even encouraged to work harder and reach for their own milestones to success.”