My name is Caleb Greene, and I serve as a Ryan White Care Coordinator at Ampla Health, a nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). In this role, I support individuals living with HIV by assisting with the various Ryan White programs at Ampla Health, encompassing both medical and non-medical services. 

Over the course of my service, I’ve seen how critical access to healthcare truly is. Many of the patients I’ve worked with face obstacles that go far beyond their medical needs. They may struggle with transportation, housing instability, language barriers, or a lack of understanding about how to connect to resources. These challenges can prevent someone from getting the care they need when they need it. Access is not just about having clinics or doctors nearby, it’s about whether individuals can realistically use those services. When access is limited, it contributes to disparities that significantly affect health outcomes. 

As a Ryan White Care Coordinator, I’ve worked directly to reduce the non-medical burdens our patients face so they can focus on their health. This has included connecting them with housing, food, and transportation support services. Providing these wraparound services makes a real difference. By meeting patients where they are, I’ve been able to help them take important steps toward getting the care they need. 

Outside of my role, Ampla Health as an organization also strives to expand the access of healthcare in its surrounding communities. One example is the transportation service offered to all patients. In many of the areas we serve, public transportation can be limited. Offering free rides to and from appointments has enabled many of our patients to access care they would otherwise be unable to attain. I’ve seen this service in action when meeting patients at their local grocery store to provide food assistance. The appreciation they expressed for simply being able to attend appointments reminded me just how meaningful these resources are. By addressing this barrier head-on, Ampla Health makes healthcare not only available but accessible. 

Looking back on my service, I’m proud of the impact I’ve had on reducing healthcare disparities. Each patient interaction has reminded me that access to care can’t be taken for granted. Through the guidance from the Ryan White team at Ampla Health, I have been able to play a part in building a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system, one that meets people where they are and gives them a real chance to thrive.