I have spent the past three years serving the homeless, and patients with substance use disorders and mental health disorders. I am a community health worker, serving in emergency rooms and assisting this patient population with their social needs, or to help get them into treatment or housing. For two years prior, and even since my indictment last year, this work has remained consistent and important to me. It feels more like a calling, rather than “work”.
I obtained additional training and have networked throughout southwest Ohio to be an advocate for those who have lost hope, and those who most people disregard. I am more comfortable working with these patient populations and being their advocate and creating solutions for them, than I ever was working in the C-Suite.
This year of service, I have been training others to do what I do across Cincinnati hospitals, while continuing my own work of service. Now that I am going to prison in 5 weeks, I will learn about what it is like to navigate that path of life.
I have been humbled by the patients I have served, and seen the best and worst of humanity. I have offered hope and resources to those who don’t believe they deserve a chance. I believe our faith is not enough. Words of faith are not enough. It is our ACTIONS that matter. And I know as an imperfect person, I am no better than those I serve in the emergency rooms.
I am trying to figure out a plan to continue this life of service after my prison sentence, while also making money to pay my restitution and assist/teach others so they can avoid fraud in their medical practices.
Remaining positive has been a struggle the closer I get to my surrender date. I am having more panic attacks daily regarding the unknown. I am also grateful. Grateful for a loving husband and children, friends and a supervisor who supportive and listens. I am grateful that I have been able to continue my work of service after my sentencing.
This has been an exhausting week. I have been helping a particularly challenging patient for 10 hours today. They are a reminder of how broken the housing/mental health systems are, and that there is still much I need to do to continue to advocate for patients like them. Regardless of my own challenges right now, this desire to help serve others is not dissipating. That gives me hope for my life after prison.
Thank you,
Carolynne
