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The dental assistants working beside dentist Virginia Meek say that "Dr. Meek drew a line in the sand. She was not going to let 'the system' ignore its responsibility to help those in need." As Wesley's mom tells it, "Dr. Meek recognized that my son's dental problems not only needed specialty care but that he was in terrible pain right now. Autism is characterized by extremely high pain thresholds, so it's often difficult to identify when your autistic child has a health problem until it has become critical." Without insurance, Wesley's parents, Wayne and Janet Aylward, could not find a pediatric dentist in the region willing to undertake Wesley's care. He needed two root canals. He had two impacted teeth that needed removal. He also needed four fillings. Couple this extreme need with Wesley's complex neuro-cognitive illness, the fact that the family lives in rural Lake County and, suddenly, his parents found themselves in the intolerable position of watching their child literally "waste away." Wesley couldn't eat well and lost weight. He couldn't sleep. He was losing his precious connection to school. Like many middle-class families, the family used to have health insurance. Then, with a day's notice, the factory where Wayne worked closed up shop and moved to Malaysia. Suddenly without insurance, the family was vulnerable to catastrophe. When Wesley's oral health needs became evident, the Aylward's recognized that Wesley's care was going to become a big debt. They were ready to take it on but, without insurance, no dentist was willing to provide Wesley's care—even though the family's credit card guaranteed payment. Luckily, the Aylwards turned to The Redwood Coast Regional Center (RCRC) for services and advice. RCRC is a private, non-profit that serves people with developmental disabilities and their families. RCRC staff knew that Dr. Meek would be able to help. This type of inter-agency resource networking safeguards the well being of those in need. Dr. Meek is a leader in dentistry for the developmentally disabled. She teaches throughout California, and is the Statewide Dental Consultant for the California State Department of Rehabilitation. She is also a practitioner at MCHC's Hillside Health Center in Ukiah. At Hillside, she is especially well-known for her work with young children and those affected by developmental disabilities. On seeing Wesley for the first time, Dr. Meek recognized that his case required expertise beyond her capability and she activated the system of care to address his needs. In the Northern California region, there are only two facilities that specialize in surgical dentistry for children, and the earliest appointment offered was five months away. Meanwhile, Wesley's health was deteriorating. It wasn't easy, but Dr. Meek made it her mission to protect her patient and finally secured a surgical appointment a month later. Surgery was successful and, today, Wesley's happy dimples are back. According to Janet Aylward, "As we have sought care for Wesley, we have become used to being treated as if we were ghosts. We were often poorly treated by people whose jobs are to care. Getting my son care has been a painful ordeal that has been terribly hard on our whole family. Dr. Meek and her staff spent considerable effort cutting through bureaucratic red tape to get Wesley the care he needed. She freed us to focus on our child's needs. She put her caring to work and Wesley was finally able to get the help he needed." To have an ally in the struggle to make the healthcare system work for those in need is one of MCHC's most critical commitments because our staff recognizes that advocacy is a crucial part of our patients' healthcare needs. Wesley's story underscores staff determination to serve MCHC's mission of ensuring access to care. Today, Janet has a new mission. She says, "This is the most difficult thing I have ever gone through. I am determined to challenge a healthcare system that is willing to ignore its weakest voices. No child should suffer the way mine has—not when our advanced healthcare system has the ability to solve these problems. It is the will that is lacking, and our ordeal has strengthened my determination to create change. Every legislator and agency representative can count on the fact that I am going to come knocking and make sure our healthcare system protects those who are in need." Bravo, Janet! Also see: • Virginia Meek's provider profile • Back to Healing Stories |
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