BROCKTON — When Brockton experienced a surge in newcomers to the region last year, J’hony Regis, NP, paid close attention. Many were migrants, he noticed, mostly Haitian, and in need of health care. It took him just minutes to come up with the idea: He would start a one-stop Newcomers (or Migrant) Clinic for them, offering a physical, blood work, TB screening and even help finding housing or employment, if needed. He knew that without such care, migrants might have to wait weeks for an appointment, or use an already overcrowded emergency room.
Now, less than a year and several hundred patients later, J’hony and his team are proud to report: Mission complete. Not only was the team able to see everyone on the long wait list, but completed hundreds of physicals and check-ups, which included lab work and consultations. Only follow-up visits remain.
“I came up with the idea in October last year to respond to the influx of migrants to the community, which impacts our health care system,” said J’hony. “The vast majority of patients who came to the clinic were Haitians, most of whom are very young, ranging from 18 to 50 years old. But we welcomed migrants from all over the world who live in the surrounding community.”
J’hony, who speaks Haitian Creole, wasn’t alone, leading a team that included Daniela Timas, MA; Vanda Depina, MA, and Lenira Peters, BH Case Manager. All four gathered every other Thursday in Pod 3 of Adult Medicine from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., accommodating more than a dozen patients each time. Visits began with an interview and physical from J’hony, blood pressure and other checks from Daniela; and blood samples gathered by Vanda. Finally, each patient met with Lenira, who assisted with employment, housing and other issues.
“The influx of migrants generated a long wait list, preventing them from seeing a medical provider right away,” said J’hony. “Now, there is no waiting list, just follow-up visits.”
And a group of thankful, and now regular, patients.
