Poughkeepsie’s Voices are Heard at Speak to Change Event
*Only first names are used of some for privacy reasons.
For most people, a 103-degree fever means chicken noodle soup and a day under the covers. For others, it means popping an Advil or two and getting to work. Sheryl, a hardworking resident of the City of Poughkeepsie, falls into the latter category.
“I’d pray that the fever goes down, but bills still gotta get paid,” Sheryl said. “I gotta get out there.”
It seems like a jaw-dropping revelation, but this is nothing new for many residents of the Poughkeepsie community. This is exactly why United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region and the New York State Department of Health organized the Speak to Change event at the New Hope Center on Saturday morning. Dubbed a community listening session, the purpose of the event was to hear from low-income residents who face health and wellness issues in order to tackle the most prevailing concerns.
Kimberly Kochem, who currently serves as vice president of community impact at United Way, stressed the importance of taking the time to actually listen to the people her organization serves.
“We need to be able to speak to the people participating, because that’s how we’re going to see what’s working and what’s not,” Kochem said.
It is no surprise that one of the biggest concerns that dominated the discussion was healthcare. With facilitators spearheading the conversations, Poughkeepsie residents sat in intimate circles of about 8 to 10 people (five groups in all) and shared their stories.
Debra, who described herself as “blessed,” said that she is grateful for her health coverage, but fears it is not enough. “Those copayments can really catch up with you.”
Sheryl agreed, adding that her biggest concern is not simply health coverage, but rather, health equity.
“If there are scales of health coverage, am I going to get treated the same as someone up there?” Sheryl asked, pointing to the ceiling. The people “up there” are those who have big homes and white picket fences, unlike the low-income men and women at this event.
Her question produced a lot of knowing nods around the circle. Frank, a middle-aged man who was relatively quiet for most of the discussion, suddenly spoke up.
“I’m not getting the healthcare me or my family should,” Frank said. “Doctors talk to you with a hand on the door and say, ‘I’ll see you next week.’ See me now!”
With four children, one of whom is autistic, proper healthcare is nonnegotiable for Frank; his kids depend on it. As a matter of fact, children seem to be at the forefront of concerns.
Sheryl, who grew up in the 1960’s and 1970’s, said that there was always something for her to do, but now it is hard to find ways for her grandchildren to be active.
“Kids need to burn off energy, but I work and it’s hard to find things for them to do. This gym,” she said, pointing all around her, “never gets used. And if it does, they charge you. It was never like that.”
Violence is another huge concern for children in the community. Poughkeepsie residents not only fear its impact on their children’s physical safety, but also on their mental health. The other day, Sheryl found a bullet hole on the hood of her car, something she doesn’t want her grandchildren to see.
Poughkeepsie residents shared these stories not for sympathy or out of anger, but to seek real change.
As they spoke, volunteer notetakers recorded every last word. Megan Diechler, a resident of Poughkeepsie who works in Manhattan, said she volunteered as a notetaker to serve her community.
“I’m always working in the city and I want to get to know and help out the place I live,” said Diechler.
Several organizations also lent a hand in order to make this event possible, including Diverse Dynamics, with bilingual translation, and Vassar College, with sound equipment. And thanks to The Ugly Mug, coffee was not just flowing, but free of charge.
For those without cars, transportation was also provided at no cost.
Joyce Meadows, who works for the State Department of Health in the Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities Prevention, is optimistic that this event will evoke real change.
In the past year, her department has funded 20 community sessions across the state in minority areas. During one of those sessions, she found that sobriety was a huge issue and, with the work of her team, implemented regular check-in meetings for those struggling.
“Our goal is to empower the community and let them know their voice matters,” Meadows said.
Both United Way and the Department of Health plan to review the topics discussed, evaluate where Poughkeepsie residents need the most help, and implement real change.
