Chandra’s Story: Becoming Part of a Community of Care

Mosaic, however, was able to see her for just $25.

“When you’re at a community health center and you’re paying a sliding scale, it’s hard enough to admit you’re broke and you need help,” Atwood said. “But, the front desk and the physician made me feel welcome and that they actually cared about me. It didn’t feel like I was just another client walking through the door.”

This experience was the start of a journey during which Atwood began to focus more on her mental and physical health. A self-described “complex patient,” Atwood said she was able to recommit to her personal health despite a lack of funds—thanks to resources provided by Mosaic.

“Mosaic’s just always been there for me and my family,” she said. “I felt better and I’m more productive at work. And, going through counseling and getting my health straightened out helped me improve our business and do better.”

Today, Atwood is a longtime Patient Board Member for Mosaic. As Mosaic Community Health receives federal grant support from the Health Resources and Services, at least 51% of its board must be composed of Patient Members.

As a Patient Board Member, Atwood recently traveled to Washington D.C. for the second time to participate in the annual Policy and Issues Forum sponsored by the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). As part of this effort, Atwood and others met with members of the U.S. Congress and congressional staff to educate on the continued need for bipartisan legislation to sustain Mosaic’s mission of advancing health equity.

This involved overcoming anxiety to share the story of how Mosaic has impacted her life.

“Mosaic is my safe place,” she told her esteemed audience. “They brought me in from out of the cold, wrapped a warm blanket around me, and provided me with much-needed care and support over the last 14 years.”