The strength to ask for help

When was the last time you asked for help?

It could have been a passing request to hold the door. Or, it could have been a life-changing ask that required strength to make.

“I don’t want to say we need help, but we do. It’s hard to put that out there because I feel like there’s so much judgment.”

Those are the words of a community member who found the support they needed to care for their family by becoming a client of IU Health Community Health’s Women, Infants and Children (WIC) and State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) programs.

They explained that their gratitude is immense but did ask to be unnamed due to that potential judgement.

“I want to tell everybody that we’re so thankful for the help we’re receiving. It takes a village, and we know we’re not alone.”

Everything started when their spouse was diagnosed with a severe medical concern, and while they are better now, they are unable to work due to continued health issues. Then, their child was born while the family was dealing with these persistent concerns and the client turned to WIC for assistance.

WIC offers help with nutrition—for both the infant and family. The team also provides connections through the rest of the Community Health family.

For example, the family received a free car seat, which would have greatly impacted their finances.

They were also connected to the SHIP team and met with a counselor to discuss their high insurance premium and see what options were available.

The client knows the importance of leaning on their village and asking for help, so they brought another family member to assist with the potentially overwhelming nature of health insurance.

“We are a special case because my spouse is young and on Medicare, which isn’t typical. My counselor gave me resources and reached out to others to get clarification on our situation.”

They’re still considering which insurance would be the best option for their situation and plan to make a change guided by the assistance they’re receiving through the SHIP program now that they have the resources they need in order to take that next step.

This individual encourages others to not be afraid to reach out for needed aid, even though it can be humbling.

“People are there to help. It’s hard and can be draining, but you have to advocate for yourself or a loved one and take that next step.”

Learn more about Community Health services online.