Serenity

Serenity works with people.  Ordinary, everyday people who need an extra hand once in a while  completing paperwork, finding and linking to community resources, or looking online for a job.  We do this because neighbors help neighbors.  In doing this, we also fulfill our mission to prevent the transmission of HIV, because the supports we provide help reduce their risk factors, such as poverty, hunger, homelessness, unsafe sex, and poor health care.  

Serenity wants to make a difference without making anyone feel different.  One way is to help everyone be healthier.  That’s why Health Literacy is our newest program.  The Department of Health and Human Services defines health literacy as “the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information needed to make appropriate health decisions.”  Health.gov reports that 9 in 10 Americans have some level of difficulty with Health Literacy.

So, if 90% of the American population have difficulty with health literacy, no one should feel bad because they didn’t understand what the doctor said or aren’t sure if three times daily means once every eight hours or breakfast, lunch, and supper or maybe bedtime.  The problem is so common, it’s almost normal.  

But it shouldn’t be and it needn’t be.  And it’s dangerous.  Some people only take their blood pressure medicine when they’re feeling bad.  Some are embarrassed to talk to the doctor about a problem that’s impacting the quality of their life.  Some didn’t understand what the doctor said but were afraid that asking questions would make them look stupid.  

In the past, community members who requested assistance, such as applying for unemployment, typically left with their application submitted to the VEC, an inquiry to see if there was anything else they needed, a whirlwind explanation of how to protect themselves and those they love from HIV, the offer of an HIV test and a pocket full of condoms.  And a somewhat dazed look on their face.  

Starting this fall, besides all of the above, they will also leave with an understanding of blood pressure, what it is, its impact on their health, ways to control it and an invitation to come back to talk about their health issues.  After talking about their health problems during the second visit, they will continue with sessions about their medications, preventive care for their health conditions, how to communicate effectively with their care providers, and how to be ready for a health emergency.  Still dazed, but hopefully enlightened and empowered to be an active partner in their health care and with a pocketful of condoms. 

Supporting and teaching people who are living with HIV, those with high risk factors, and anyone who sticks their head in the door, that’s what we do.