Empowering Health: How a Fort Bend County Nonprofit Links Patients to Free Legal Aid for Better Care

Funmilayo Gregory’s story is an eye-opener about how health and legal issues are connected. After she got hurt at work and couldn’t continue her job, she found unexpected help through her doctor’s office.

Gregory is one of over 200 patients who have accessed legal assistance via AccessHealth, a nonprofit in Fort Bend County. Struggling to pay her rent due to her disability, she turned to Susan Soto, an in-house attorney. Soto not only advocated for Gregory but also guided her through essential calls and paperwork.

“She helps people from her heart,” Gregory praised. “She’s a great woman.”

Soto assists patients with civil legal matters, connecting them to free services through Houston Volunteer Lawyers and similar organizations. Since 2021, health care workers have been able to refer patients for legal aid. However, early on, these referrals lacked communication between health professionals and attorneys. That changed when Soto joined a year ago, allowing for collaboration that enhances patient care.

“I’m able to talk to providers, and they can talk to me,” Soto noted. This teamwork is crucial because legal issues can lead to significant stress, affecting both mental and physical health. For example, research shows that unresolved legal problems can contribute to issues like anxiety and even heart disease. A study from the American Psychological Association highlighted that stressed patients often experience longer recovery times when legal matters remain unresolved.

Recently, Soto helped a family finalize an adoption, a moment she describes as “a great day for everyone involved.” Beyond legal assistance, AccessHealth also focuses on the broader picture: nutrition and state benefits, making sure patients are supported all around. Soto explains, “A holistic approach looks at the whole patient and aims to improve health through nontraditional ways.”

This method underscores how essential it is to address various aspects of a person’s life to promote overall health. It’s a reminder that sometimes the path to recovery and stability involves more than just medical treatment; it’s about understanding and supporting the whole person.

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