HCH Stories: Frank Whitehead
by Josie Bruwer, Communications Intern
“You have your good and bad days when something like this happens.”
In 2012, Frank Whitehead’s world changed forever when his wife passed away from multiple sclerosis. Just two months after that, Frank had his first stroke, and his experience with homelessness began. After being released from the hospital, Frank had nowhere to go and was forced to live with relatives in an already overcrowded house. “I was sleeping on a mattress on the floor, which classifies in our state as being homeless.” He also lacked a primary care doctor. It was then that he was referred to a Health Care for the Homeless (HCH) clinic in Durham, NC: the Lincoln Community Health Center.
Before the devastating events of 2012, Frank lived a normal life. He worked for Kraft Nabisco Foods, starting as a merchandiser and vacation representative before achieving a promotion to sales representative. Before that, he earned a degree in business administration. Unfortunately, he began smoking and drinking at a young age, and this substance use likely compounded his family’s existing history of high blood pressure and strokes.
Frank’s life changed immeasurably with the help of Lincoln Community Health Center, for which he couldn’t be more thankful. “They are truly there to help you get better. They’re concerned about quality health care,” he said excitedly. From the first day that Frank visited the clinic, providers helped him with the care he needed to get back onto his feet. He acquired a primary doctor and neurologist and received anti-seizure medicine to stop his debilitating episodes. “This was in 2012, and I haven’t had a seizure since then.” He also received physical therapy to recuperate after his stroke. He continues to visit his primary doctor today.
Providers at Lincoln also assisted Frank in signing up for vital disability benefits—each of his doctors and social workers wrote letters to help him receive Social Security benefits as quickly as possible. They also helped Frank transition into stable housing. After he started receiving disability, his social worker helped him find the housing that he lives in now, even helping him move in. “Now I have my own apartment that I share with my nephew, all because of Health Care of the Homeless.”
Now that Frank is seizure-free and housed, he is returning to school to pursue a degree in society and management. He continues to show his gratitude and passion for the Lincoln Community Health Center. “They are more concerned about quality, long-term health and growth, not just fixing the problem today. I just needed a follow-up the day that I went in there from having a seizure. They went farther than that. They wanted to find out what I was going to do. They knew I couldn’t go back to the situation where I was sleeping on the floor. They helped me find a way to better my situation.” He still visits his Health Center for behavioral health care and therapy. Through HCH, Frank has found people who truly care about his well-being and helped him rebuild his life back after immense tragedy.
After all of the hardships that Frank has undergone, he remains positive and optimistic. His strength and drive are evident, but Frank attributes much of his success to the crucial care that allowed him to move forward: “I could’ve done none of this without Lincoln HCH.”