Steven’s Story

A lifelong outdoorsman, Steven describes himself as “a simple man.” But after losing his wife, life became anything but simple. He had struggled with heart issues for 20 years, but his health began to further decline. He suffered chronic chest pain, shortness of breath, and “blood issues” left him too weak to work or enjoy the things he loved.

His first appointment at HHH was in April 2024. He was uninsured and hadn’t seen a dentist in years. Steven needed extensive care that included replacing restorative work, treating decay, and extracting teeth. “They explained the long-term plan: better-fitting dentures, fillings, and some other work. They cleaned my teeth, showed me what to watch for, and explained how oral health connects to heart health. I’d never heard that before.”

Soon after, Steven visited the medical clinic. Dr. Lloyd conducted an exam and ordered tests that revealed the need for a cardiac specialist. The Patient Navigator at HHH secured an appointment through Project Access, a network that connects low-income and underinsured individuals to specialty care. Steven underwent a cardiac catheterization, which showed two heart valves required stents. However, the procedure was delayed due to low blood levels. To address this, HHH’s Community Health Worker team helped coordinate ongoing iron infusions and arrange a referral to a gastroenterologist to determine the cause of his internal bleeding.

When Steven shared that he was experiencing challenges in other parts of his life, Skye, HHH’s Community Health Manager, stepped in to help. She supported Steven as he took steps to address food insecurity, manage his bills, and navigate the process of applying for Medicaid. Access to healthcare and wraparound services has empowered Steven by providing the tools to move forward and help build a stronger foundation for his health and overall well-being. Through every appointment and each new challenge, Steven found support, hope, and healing.