Mission Breakfast
On Tuesday, August 20, we had the privilege of hosting our Inaugural Mission Breakfast at First Presbyterian Church, Bristol. The event brought community members together in a spirit of fellowship and support for Healing Hands Health.
Helen Scott, our Executive Director, took a moment to recognize the pivotal role that the members of First Presbyterian Church played in the foundation of Healing Hands Health in 1997. She spoke passionately about our bright future, highlighting the establishment of a comprehensive Integrated Behavioral Health program and the recent purchase of a new building, which will significantly increase capacity and allow us to serve more patients.
Following Helen's remarks, Pastor Paul Seay from Abingdon United Methodist Church delivered a heartfelt message of care and kindness that resonated deeply with our mission. Quoting from the book of Matthew, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. We can see God through the eyes of most vulnerable. It is often our first instinct to look the other way when it is hard, inconvenient, or uncomfortable. Healing Hands refuses to look the other way.”
Then, we saw David Gregory, a patient whose story embodies the essence of Healing Hands.
David first came to us in 2013, struggling with a multitude of health concerns, including high blood pressure, degenerative disc disease, rosacea, depression, anxiety, and sleep apnea, among others. He recalled his first appointment, which exceeded all his expectations.
“My appointment was a 40-minute, all-encompassing discussion of my health with a truly remarkable doctor who took the time to ask questions, listen, and show genuine compassion,” David reflected.
Since then, David has received comprehensive care at Healing Hands and was one of the first patients to benefit from our new Mental Health Care services. He expressed gratitude for the compassionate care provided by our Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Courtney Colobro.
David concluded his powerful testimony with a reading:
1 Corinthians 13:4-7: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
As David said, “The future is unlimited because of generous people like you.” His words were a beautiful reminder of the impact we have when we come together in love and compassion.
