Profiles

Getting medical help to stay on the job

She works two jobs and six days a week — often until after midnight.  But Pamela, age 51, has no health insurance.  It ended when her marriage did.  The medicines required to control her hypertension, vertigo, rapid heartbeat and gastrointestinal issues cost $2,300 a month — far more than what she earns. The stress of working two jobs increases her blood pressure and makes things worse.

The Gloucester Mathews Free Clinic has been Pamela’s lifeline, providing her with the medical care and medicines she needs to control her illnesses and keep working.  “God help me if I couldn’t work,” she said, “because I’m all alone.  I’m all I’ve got.”