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I told myself I was gonna behave today but who was I kidding. 
I just watched the system fail a Latinx elderly woman who showed up for a COVID test at UVA and was turned away because she didn’t have an appointment.
She could barely speak English.
I just watched the system fail a Latinx elderly woman who showed up for a COVID test at UVA and was turned away because she didn’t have an appointment.
She could barely speak English.
Her family member asked if they had translational services and they were told the person is busy and that they should leave and get their doctor to refer them with an appointment. They noted they didn’t have a PCP.
So many things wrong here.
So many things wrong here.
They tried to ask if they can do a walk-in and was rejected again.
Meanwhile, my privilege/blue doctor badge allowed me to walk-in to this same place and get a test (that literally took 30 seconds) without an appointment.
Meanwhile, my privilege/blue doctor badge allowed me to walk-in to this same place and get a test (that literally took 30 seconds) without an appointment.
I was literally added to a “walk-in slot” which I was told is for those who don’t have appointments or “don’t follow instructions”.
After witnessing that interaction, I pointed out to the employee how the system failed that lady and now she may never return to get tested...
After witnessing that interaction, I pointed out to the employee how the system failed that lady and now she may never return to get tested...
...and may go on to infect others (likely family) or not seek medical attention if she starts showing symptoms because she doesn’t know if she’s positive or not.
I pointed out that they had no idea what those two individuals had to do to get here today, only to be rejected without any empathy or help to find another solution.
Mind you, this is the same employee who administered my test and was now not currently at their station.
Mind you, this is the same employee who administered my test and was now not currently at their station.
This person could’ve easily taken the elderly woman back and administered her test...just like they did mine...and advise her that next time she has to make an appointment, just like they told me.
Instead, this woman was denied basic access to something that UVA claims they’re very good at.
I told the employee that it’s not their fault per se but a bigger issue with the systems and policies that are in place to make accessing something like a test so much harder...
I told the employee that it’s not their fault per se but a bigger issue with the systems and policies that are in place to make accessing something like a test so much harder...
...for members of the Black and Brown community.
Too much red tape. The employee said “oh they can go to CVS or MedCare express, etc.”
I pointed out that those tests cost money and take forever to come back.
Too much red tape. The employee said “oh they can go to CVS or MedCare express, etc.”
I pointed out that those tests cost money and take forever to come back.
Here at UVA the testing is free with a 24-48h turnaround. That’s probably why they came here.
I pointed out that systemic racism was at play and that the system is so messed up (avoiding expletives).
I left feeling very guilty that my privilege allowed me to benefit...
I pointed out that systemic racism was at play and that the system is so messed up (avoiding expletives).
I left feeling very guilty that my privilege allowed me to benefit...
...while other members of my community were not so fortunate.
Again, there were “walk-in” slots and this woman was still turned away.
I’m enraged. Make it make sense please.
Again, there were “walk-in” slots and this woman was still turned away.
I’m enraged. Make it make sense please.
