First Person: Amanda Anderson is Assistant Director of Quality, Patient Care Services at Mount Sinai Beth Israel
I was very lucky growing up. I never had to worry about the cost of health care. My parents were always insured, and my need to see a doctor was never limited by their ability to pay. I grew and remained healthy, regularly visiting my doctor and dentist for well visits and when my health required throughout my preteen, high school, and college years.
I knew that not everyone is so lucky. But it really hit home when I first learned about the Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center.
Each year, the Health Center provides some 10,000 adolescents or young adults in need with comprehensive health care. It’s a world leader in adolescent health, with a renowned medical fellowship and award-winning staff. But it needs our help.
I’m hoping to do my part by running what would be my first marathon Nov. 5 at the TCS New York City Marathon. I will be part of a team raising funds for the Center. Every $1,000 our team members raise will support a full year of comprehensive health services for an adolescent or young adult. Everything is covered, including preventative primary care medicine, dental care, mental health care, and sexual and reproductive health care.
It was one of my physicians who first got me into running as a young twenty-something woman. I met him during a time in my life when I really needed his care. Looking back, I don’t know how I would have fared without his treatment. But I am certain that my health and recovery directly benefited from my absence of concern about how his bill would be paid.
With mental health and chronic illness starting earlier and earlier in adolescence, and with the increasing lack of security in our health care system, it’s imperative that all young people have access to full, comprehensive, high-quality care.
That’s why I’m so proud to be running on behalf of the Adolescent Health Center, because it meets and exceeds this triple aim. And in doing so, Mount Sinai improves thousands of young lives.
You can learn more about the Mount Sinai team, or you can make a contribution to help me reach my goal by visiting my Crowdrise page. You can also keep track of my training via my blog, www.amandajanderson.com, or on Twitter, @ajandersonrn.