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A Good Turn


I'm grateful for the amazing privilege I had today to work alongside people from all backgrounds who took time out from their busy work and family lives to give back to the community. The 2007 Portland Project Homeless Connect -- a daylong event at the Memorial Coliseum -- drew hundreds of homeless individuals and families to link to community resources, free health screenings and a host of other services. As part of my day job with a health insurer for underpriviliged Oregonians, I had the wonderful opportunity to spend a few hours in the Health Services area of Project Homeless Connect.

My duties for the day involved greeting clients and directing them to appropriate areas. Physicians, nurses, medical assistants and other health care workers at county health clinics were on hand to conduct health screenings, immunizations, vital sign check-ups, and other health services. Podiatry care, as well as acupuncture and massage also were available. The Health Services area provided care for about 180 clients, each signing up for about four different services.

Elsewhere in the coliseum, a plethora of resources were made available to clients -- from free haircuts to job search assistance, from vision screening to help with securing food stamps.

At the end of the day, most of us who volunteered were tired, yet extremely satisfied. The event was very well-organized, well-run and well-staffed. Volunteers did very well in managing the flow of clients through different areas. Kudos to the dedicated and committed folks from across different agencies who put the event together. Amazing work!
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