Loretta McClinton

Like many Central Texans, McClinton was employed but didn’t have health insurance in her position as an hourly wage-worker. That makes the choice of seeing the doctor for preventive care or minor symptoms a big decision. Often, paying for a physician visit is simply not an option for many without health insurance.

When McClinton’s symptoms flared, she hoped "to get over it" and continued working and taking care of her family. Shortly, however, searing pain struck. McClinton’s husband, Matt, rushed her to Seton Highland Lakes 24-hour Emergency in Burnet where she was diagnosed with a particularly bad double infection. Both a kidney and her bladder were affected causing the young mother tremendous pain. McClinton recovered fully thanks to quick treatment and a round of potent antibiotics. Yet, her experience shows many families are just an illness or injury away from the Emergency Room.

"Seton Highland Lakes has been great every time we’ve gone in," says McClinton. "It’s a good thing they are there. My son had to have hernia surgery and has had a number of serious ear infections that have been treated at Seton Highland Lakes."

McClinton has found a new part-time position at the Marble Falls H.E.B., and her husband is looking for work. While their children are covered under Medicaid, Loretta and Matt continue on, hoping to avoid becoming suddenly sick.