When asked what the providers and staff at the UT Physicians Multispecialty – Victory clinic are thankful for this year, unanimously the answer given was their patients. To give back to the community, they hosted their annual Thanksgiving feast giveaway on Nov. 24.
Each year, patients are selected based on needs shared with community health workers. While the wish would be to help every person who needed assistance, supplies are limited as the staff purchases all the essentials with their own money.
“This year has been so tough because of the pandemic,” said Crystal Bryant, community health worker at UT Physicians. “Our clinic isn’t just here to provide patients with health care. The connection with our patients and their individual needs goes deeper than that.”
The five chosen individuals were given all the goodies you would expect in a Thanksgiving spread – turkey, mashed potatoes, bread rolls, stuffing, green bean casserole ingredients, and dessert.
Stephen Preston, a patient of the clinic ever since its opening, said a donation like this is a blessing.
“This clinic saved my life,” said Preston. “They’ve cared for me through my diabetes and prostate cancer diagnosis.”
Fanchon Nash, whose children are cared for at the clinic, expressed her thanks upon picking up her food.
“My children love coming here and seeing everyone. When can you ever say that about kids coming to the doctor’s office?” said Nash. “This place is special and I’m so thankful for the chance to enjoy Thanksgiving without worrying about spending all of our money.”
As patients arrived to pick up their giveaways, Bryant and other employees helped to load their vehicles.
“Seeing their faces and hearing the emotion in their voices makes you feel so certain you are doing something right,” she said.
This is the fifth consecutive year that the clinic has gathered food for patients to celebrate Thanksgiving. Their plan is to continue the tradition for many years to come.
To schedule an appointment or learn additional information about the UT Physicians Multispecialty – Victory clinic, visit their webpage.
