Viva Vitality: Be a puzzle builder
By medicinehatnews on July 22, 2022.
“We are in this together!” Over the last few years, how often have you heard this phrase? I, for one, have seen and heard it many times, but I have also experienced it firsthand. As a community health representative and Low German interpreter with Alberta Health Services, my work involves many health appointments with clients that experience a language or communication barrier of some kind. However, our clients often need so much more than just health-related assistance. Time and again, I have had the privilege of connecting clients with various organizations that work tirelessly to help those in need. We all know the saying, ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ and I would add it takes a village to take care of the village itself. Many of us working together means we can tackle the many moving parts in the world of someone down on their luck, new to Canada, or someone who has just not had the strength to continue with their daily struggles on their own. The health and wellbeing of any one individual is like a puzzle with many pieces and we often need help to put the pieces together, or even just turn them over so we can see what they are. If I can help someone navigate the health-care system and then refer them to a colleague to gain an understanding of their financials, while someone else assists them with learning English, we are all helping to put together the puzzle that is this person’s life. As all the pieces of the puzzle are needed to appreciate the picture, we also need to work toward health in all areas of our lives. This truly does require a village though, every time. Alone we cannot be the healthiest versions of ourselves. We need each other in our work, in our social lives and in our families. We need our friends and our colleagues to keep us grounded, and to help us carry the loads that have felt extra heavy for many through a long, exhausting pandemic, but we also need you! Look around your village. Who is hurting but afraid to say so? Who needs a hand up but doesn’t know where to look? There are many organizations in our communities doing their very best to be the puzzle sorters and builders, but these organizations cannot do it all on their own. We all need to work together! Sometimes the simplest thing, like a smile or buying the coffee for the person ahead of us in the drive-thru, can make a tremendous difference in a person’s life and it doesn’t have to cost us much. If together, we look for the needs around us, and give even just a small amount in whatever currency we have, the village we are a part of can flourish. Do you want to help but don’t know how or where? Reach out to your local organizations and find out what the needs are in your area. Perhaps helping others in your area can come in the form of hosting a block party and building relationships, inviting someone to garden with you, donating your gently used clothing or household items, donating money, or volunteering your time for the many volunteer positions in your community. If you are an individual or organization that has services or assistance to offer our newcomers or others in need, please let us know how you can help. If you are an organization or individual that needs help or assistance, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Although my work is specific to our Low German Mennonite families in Southern Alberta, there are many organizations out there ready and equipped to help you with your puzzle! Learn more and connect with us at LGM Community Resources – Contact Us (google.com) I’d also like to this opportunity to thank all of the individuals that have become a part of my village in supporting my clients together with me. Because of your help, many puzzle pieces have been properly connected. I could not have helped so many without you. You know who you are. Tina Meggison is a Community Health Representative and Low German Interpreter with Alberta Health Services in the South Zone 13-12
