Busy Busy Busy

I know we haven't checked in for over a week. Thankfully, we're chock full of excuses. The big excuse? We've been on the road all week.

The last time we updated, it was regarding the very successful event in Tiffin, OH. Since then, we've been to the Carroll County Fair where I tried my first fried-cheese-on-a-stick. I wasn't a fan. I was imagining a gigantic mozzarella stick but this was just fried cornbread with a tasteless gooey center. I much prefer the fried Twinkies.

The next day the Mobile Express made its way to an event in Lousiville, OH. Since we were stationed next to a Mobile Blood Bank, I took the opportunity to donate two units of type-A-positive red blood cells. This was my first time donating the two units. It involved a centrifuge that separated the red blood from the plasma. To make sure the donor doesn't pass out, they actually feed the plasma (along with some saline) back into you. That was super-weird, but definitely worth it. Now I can't give blood for another four months instead of two. I saved myself a finger prick!

The events in Carrollton and Louisville were relatively slow, but that all changed the following weekend. We found ourselves in Cleveland at a health care event for the uninsured. The event, sponsored by Medworks, was truly amazing. To help illustrate the power of this event, I refer you to this piece by Cleveland Plain-Dealer columnist Connie Schultz. We knew this was something special when we were working there, but that column really drives it home. It very likely saved lives.

The idea behind this event was that people could make appointments in advance (approximately 1,000 patients were booked) and then see a doctor at no cost. Prescriptions were filled out. Eyeglasses were distributed. Some learned of threatening health conditions and some were even sent to the emergency room on the spot.

After getting their health needs taken care of, these patients were then brought to us. Many were eligible for benefits, including prescription assistance that could help ease the cost of refilling their newly obtained pills. We saw hundreds of people and most were eligible for something.

So, yes, it was a very busy couple of days. Thankfully, we get a bit of respite during the Ohio State Fair. The Mobile Express is parked in the Marketplace at the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Ohio Benefit Bank counselors will be present. Stop by and say "hi!"