Erin’s Story
For over two decades, Erin has called Sun River Health Beacon her medical home. But to her, it’s much more than a place to receive care — it’s family. “I’ve been going to Sun River Health Beacon for the
last 20 years — and so have all six of my children!” Erin shares with a smile that lights up her face. “When I moved to Beacon from New York City in 1989, Sun River Health was the only health center that would take my insurance.” What began as a vital necessity — finding a health care provider who would care for her children — blossomed into a relationship that has spanned generations.
A Doctor Who Listens
At the heart of Erin’s Sun River Health experience is Dr. Kenneth Desa, who has been her family’s
physician since day one. “We wait to see him at the health center if we can, because we love his bedside manner,” Erin explains. “He always answers my questions and puts himself in
the place of not just a patient, but also a parent. He understands things about me culturally that make
me feel comfortable — like I’m always speaking to somebody who cares about me.”
From Patient to Health Promoter
Erin’s relationship with Sun River Health extends beyond her role as a patient. For the past 15 years, she has volunteered as a health promoter by reaching out to men, women and families to tell them
how to get the care they need. “I might be a little biased,” she admits, “but through my experience — even as a health promoter — I know that people at Sun River Health will go above and beyond
pull out all the stops, to make sure they can reach out to patients with the services they need.”
This commitment to community outreach is central to Sun River Health’s mission. By meeting people where they are — physically, emotionally, and financially — Sun River Health removes barriers to care. “We strive to make people comfortable coming into the health center for care — whether they have insurance or not,” Erin says. “We are really making a difference in the community.”
