Peapack is nearly 50 miles north of Red Bank, but Ana Congo, a 27-year-old with cerebral palsy and associated behavioral issues, makes that trip regularly to receive primary medical and women's health care at the Matheny Center of Medicine and Dentistry.
"Ana has real anxiety about anybody medical," explains her mother Nancy. "Matheny is very well equipped to handle all of that -- not just the physical but the emotional. So, that makes the trip worth it right there." The Congo family moved to Red Bank from the Boston area about 13 years ago and had trouble finding a medical facility nearby that could effectively treat Ana. "Most doctors don't understand," says Nancy, "but Matheny's staff understands her unique needs. I've wasted a lot of time going to other hospitals."
Most health providers have little experience caring for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, who may have difficulty communicating "what hurts" without the help of an interpreter or assistive technology. At the Matheny Center of Medicine and Dentistry, the integrated team of specialists seamlessly connects with patients to address and calm their concerns.
As primary care physician Christine P. Mand, DO, explains, "There is a culture of disability here. Our patients receive the same care as at a regular medical center, but they feel comfortable when they're here." Nancy Congo agrees. "By the time Ana's done, she's throwing kisses."
Insurance covers less than 50% of the cost of care at the Matheny Center of Medicine and Dentistry. That's why Matheny is joining thousands of causes around the globe to celebrate #GivingTuesday, a national day of giving on December 3 to celebrate the holiday season. Matheny is focusing its #GivingTuesday campaign on raising funds for the Center of Medicine and Dentistry, which treats more than 800 people like Ana from communities throughout New Jersey.
For more information on Matheny's #GivingTuesday campaign, log onto www.matheny.org or check out the Matheny Facebook page. For more information on #GivingTuesday, log onto www.givingtuesday.org.
