HSNT has been a pillar of support during her health journey -An HSNT Patient

Meet Melissa E. Rivera, a resilient individual whose health journey took an unexpected turn when she discovered she was diabetic. Melissa's story is a testament to her strength and the compassionate and high-quality healthcare provided by Health Services of North Texas (HSNT), and how it has transformed her health and well-being.

Melissa first sought care at HSNT in 2014 when she and her husband relocated to North Texas. With the cost of health insurance being exorbitant, Melissa had to find an alternative solution for her healthcare needs. It was a friend who recommended HSNT, and since then, she has been a loyal patient, grateful for the exceptional care she has received.

Reflecting on her initial decision to seek care at HSNT, Melissa shared, "the professionalism of what the [health center] had to offer drew me in. Despite a few challenges along the way, the overall care has been consistently excellent.” With the help of HSNT’s sliding fee scale and prescription assistance programs, Melissa has been able to afford both her appointments and medication, making it possible for her regain control of her health.

When she first discovered that she had diabetes, her life took a significant turn. It was a wake-up call that she couldn't ignore. "I was in denial for about six months. I couldn't believe that this was happening to me," she expressed. Witnessing her husband's struggles with diabetes made the diagnosis even more devastating. Melissa had always considered herself fairly active and couldn't fathom being a diabetic. “I had started reading up on it and it scared me to the point where if I don't take care of this now, I don't want to lose a limb. I don't want to lose my eyesight. I don't want to die, basically because that's essentially what it is. It's a silent killer,” Melissa shared. “I have grandchildren now, so I want to see them grow.”

Accepting her diagnosis was a challenging process for Melissa. She hesitated to start medication, fearing its potential side effects. "I was resistant to the idea of insulin and was skeptical about how it would affect me," she said. However, as her condition worsened, Melissa realized that she needed to take action. Three years ago, she began insulin treatment, and it has been instrumental in managing her diabetes effectively. The collaborative efforts between Melissa and her healthcare provider resulted in significant improvements, with her A1C dropping from 12 to an impressive 6.2.

Melissa emphasized how HSNT has been her pillar of support throughout her health journey. "The care and guidance I have received here have been life-changing. The healthcare professionals at HSNT genuinely care about their patients' well-being and go above and beyond to provide the best care possible," she shared. The combination of comprehensive medical treatment, compassionate support, and affordable access to medications has made all the difference for Melissa. In Melissa's own words, "HSNT has not only helped me regain control of my health, but it has also given me hope. I am now focused on getting my immune system back on track and improving my overall well-being."

Melissa's story serves as a powerful reminder of how our providers, case managers, and healthcare professionals have positively impacted the lives of countless patients. Through their dedication to providing comprehensive, affordable, and compassionate care, HSNT is making a profound difference in the community, one patient at a time.