The Voice of Southwest Louisiana September 2018 Issue

SWLA health, wealth & wellness Inform, Educate, Empower
Caring
for Those
in Need
By Emily Ashworth RN, BSN
"Words cannot
express the plethora
of emotions that I
feel when I think
of the upcoming
Remote Area
Medical free mobile
medical clinic in
September."
Pictured L-R: Emily Ashworth, Community Host Group Lead and
Johnathan Evans, Communications Director for Community Host Group Lead.
I
have shed tears of joy and felt shear
excitement for the opportunity
to help so many people who are
hurting and have suffered from an
inability to receive much needed
medical, dental, and vision care. I have
also experienced pain and sheer upset
as I listen to people state that the clinic is
“not going to work” and what a “mess” it
is going to be.
I have always been prepared for
positive feedback from others about
service to the community; not expecting
negativity about an event like this.
There are 3 things that I have learned
as Community Host Group Lead:
First, everyone does not see the
vision that has been given to those in
leadership. Due to this shortfall, there
are going to be times when everyone
will not agree with what is being said or
done. Surrounding myself with a group
of people who are willing to follow and
collaborate has been the key to success.
Second, I have learned 'A Lot' about
myself. Often, I do not always realize
my potential and just how much I can
endure and withstand. Patience and the
ability to hold my tongue and not say too
much, but having the courage to say “I’m
sorry… I was wrong,” is rewarding.
Third, I have witnessed much love for
people that many thought had gone by
the wayside. Donors, volunteers (almost
500), prayer warriors, and so many others
have come together and given their time
talents and treasures to help individuals
they do not know.
Caring for those who are hurting and
in need is essential to the growth and
development of a strong and vibrant
community. I look forward to seeing you
all as we work together to bring 'Healing
and Restoration' to the broken and
suffering.
Be Well!
September 15th and 16th Remote
Area Medical, a free mobile medical
clinic, titled Operation Healing and
Restoration, will provide free medical,
dental, and vision care to anyone who
needs it. You can go to www.ramusa.
org or www.cityoflakecharles.com for
more information.
Volume 6 • Number 2 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM September 2018 7