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At Packard Health, we respect everyone who comes to us for care. So, while their stories are true, client names and images have been changed to protect their privacy.
Maya's Story - A journey from crisis to care
Maya was pregnant when she left Guatemala, fleeing from gang violence in her community. For two months, she walked across Mexico and the Arizona desert before she reached Ann Arbor. At 34 weeks pregnant, Maya was living transiently in a motel, facing tremendous challenges. She needed urgent help with health insurance, food, diapers, baby clothes, a car seat, and more stable housing.
The dedicated team at Packard Health stepped in to support Maya. Her medical team secured MOMs pregnancy Medicaid to cover her medical costs and arranged transportation for her crucial appointments. Through Packard’s food pantry, supply closet, and community donations, Maya received all the essentials for her baby. With ongoing third-trimester care and monitoring, Maya delivered a healthy baby girl.
Pedro's Story - Navigating a new diagnosis
Pedro was in his 30’s and had never seen a doctor in his life until he was out of state visiting family and was hospitalized with complications of type 1 diabetes. He returned to Michigan with a new chronic medical diagnosis and two vials of insulin, but no established medical care or health insurance.
He established care at Packard Health, where he met a new primary care provider, was referred to endocrinology, and received diabetic teaching from our nurses. The nurse identified a way to simplify his regimen, and our pharmacy worked with him to get his medications at a low cost. Despite his inexperience with medical care, he jumped right into learning about his new diagnosis and treatment. Now, he records his blood sugars and insulin doses, and his type 1 diabetes is well-controlled just months after his initial diagnosis.
Sarah's Story - Mental health care brings hope
Sarah was full of dreams and aspirations. She grew up in the area and, as a 20-year-old college student, she was eager to make her mark on the world. However, her journey took a challenging turn when she started experiencing symptoms she didn’t know how to manage. She felt lost and overwhelmed, unsure of how to cope with the exhilarating highs and the devastating lows that left her feeling isolated and hopeless.
Already a patient, she turned to Packard Health and was referred to therapy where more symptoms were uncovered. Sarah met with Packard’s dedicated psychiatry team who got her in for a full evaluation and clarified her diagnosis. Through therapy and medication management, Sarah is beginning to find stability and regain control over her life.
Dr. Ron Romero's Story - Compassionate caregiver
"I value every day I get to do this job, and value each patient who comes through the door." Getting a chance every day to connect with individuals and families, I have the special opportunity to hear an infinite range of life stories and histories. It is in these stories and lives lived that humanity is expressed and that true relationships form. My goal for each person I see is to try to help each one live the life they want to live. Sometimes that means being healthy enough to play on the floor with grandchildren or preparing to add a new baby to the family. At other times, it is losing weight to reduce cardiac risk or overcoming depression. I want my patients to be able to imagine a life where their health (both physical and emotional) is not a barrier to achieving their dreams.
Martha’s Story - Giving to Packard Health
“I know my donation makes a difference.” Packard Health has been serving our community since 1973 with the mission of making health care accessible to everyone. As a donor, I feel my contribution is supporting important work. As a volunteer, I know I'm lending a needed hand. Good communications is key - and I like the way Packard tells its story and keeps in touch.
