A father’s need becomes a daughter’s mission
by Dan Dowling – regional communications manager "The year of the first Vermont flood, my dad became ill. ” Alyssa Atkins is a dedicated medical assistant at her local health center in Plainfield, Vermont. F or the past seven years, she has been a vital part of the care team , gaining experience in phlebotomy and orthopedic practice. She is also transforming her interest in helping others into a lifesaving mission, inspired by her dad’s need for blood. In 2023, Alyssa’s father experienced acute abdominal pain and vomiting for a week . Alyssa grew concerned and knew her father’s symptoms were serious. “ He had a very slow gastrointestinal bleed ,” she said. "He finally felt weak enough to have me take him to the hospital .” Her father's condition was critical, requiring urgent care and six units of blood to save his life. After a four-day hospital stay, he became a patient at the health center where his daughter worked. Motivated by ...
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