May 10, 2009 was my last monthly visit to the mental health clinic where I get help. The clinic is closing.
I was shocked when I first heard about this closure. And it’s not fair, because we were told that before anything happened we would receive something in the mail. I’m still waiting.
Whoever thought of this idea should get up from behind their desk and visit a few of our neighborhood clinics. Some patients don’t even realize what’s happening.
I’m not just speaking for myself. I’m speaking for those who can’t.
My heart is broken because I’ve attended this clinic for so many years. All of the staff are very helpful and concerned about your health.
I’ve been going to this clinic for years and received a lot of help. Now that it’s being closed my major depression is almost out of control. I stay to myself and the problem that really hurts is that I think of killing myself.
I really think that the government doesn’t care about us because we’ve already put them in office.
And remember this: If respect is free, then why do I have to be rich? Why do we have to be treated like we don’t exist? Just because we have problems? It seems that any program the government starts for the mentally ill, homeless people and people without jobs doesn’t last very long. The homeless and mentally ill have to follow orders. When they say, “Jump,” we say, “How high?”
It’s time for us to stop jumping and start fighting for our rights as low-income citizens. A lot of us have worked here all our lives, paid taxes, and helped build some of the buildings that some who are slowly taking our rights are working in.
At election time they can find the homeless, mentally ill and unemployed citizens to vote. And after the election it’s bye-bye to all their promises. Everything they promised goes the opposite way. Homeless shelters that are supposed to be kept open are closed. Now the mental health clinics are being closed, especially 35 K Street.
If you’re reading this article and you’re part of closing 35 K Street, I’ll make you a sincere promise from my heart that you can take my next appointment there, which is in early August. Because I think you need help! Let’s fight for our home away from home.
So, fellow patients and friends, we’re going to fight with all our might to keep our mental health clinic right where it belongs. 35 K Street is our home away from home.
Any patients interested in fighting to keep 35 K Street open, please contact me, JoAnn Jackson, (202) 232-3489 as soon as possible because our time is running out. Together we stand! Divided we fall!
Clinic patients: Talk to your doctor for a new clinic assignment!
And clinic patients, please contact your case manager so you will be placed in a proper clinic. This is no joke. If you don’t get re-assigned it’s possible that you may be placed anywhere.
So if you haven’t signed up for a new clinic, do it immediately. I talked to my doctor and to Mrs. Smith at (202) 442-4946. I got scheduled at a mental health clinic at 216 Michigan Ave., NW, at Washington Hospital Center.
I found a new clinic. And if I can do it, you can do it too!
