Dante: Happy, Healthy Holidays

Charles Dicken’s classic holiday story A Christmas Carol centers around themes of redemption, compassion and community.

As I reflect on the moral lessons of Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey, I think of the stories I’ve heard from the Promotores de Salud of MHP Salud, our own community’s circle of support:

I think of the young man working hard to find stability who said, “Good things don’t happen for me.” His hopelessness prevented him from accepting the help of the Promotora de Salud encouraging him to enroll in health insurance for preventive care. But she didn’t give up. When he finally chose to accept her help, he learned he had diabetes, which – with his blood sugar levels off the charts — could have been life threatening. Instead, he received timely health care, reasonably priced medications and a treatment plan for a healthy path to a brighter future.

I think of the grandfather falling down a spiral of debt because of a health plan that didn’t match his needs … and the Promotora de Salud who refused to accept there wasn’t a plan right for him. She held the candle to guide him back to level ground by navigating resources, making countless phone calls and advocating for his health – so he can spend more holidays with his beloved grandchildren.

I think of the new mother who came from Juarez with her husband – a new baby, a new city and a new life of isolation far from family and home. I think of the Promotora who guided her to community with MHP Salud’s Parents as Teacher’s program – a group that brings parents together to learn, grow and bond – not just with their babies but with a supportive community. And I think of how that mom now pays it forward as an advocate for the program encouraging other parents to find strength in community.

These stories of hope, kindness and community remind us to keep pouring love and support into our family, friends, co-workers and neighbors.

As we embrace the warmth and spirit of this holiday season, I encourage you to remember to give yourself a lasting gift this year … a journey of positive health and well-being. Our health is the foundation that allows us to gather and create our beautiful holiday memories with our loved ones.  Together, let’s take the steps to have the energy to live fully and enjoy all the moments life has to offer. Please, don’t say “humbug” to your health. We would be honored to help you on your own journey – visit mhpsalud.org to connect with your own Promotora de Salud today.

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