CountyCare Member Story
Mother Of Four Credits CountyCare For Living A ‘Healthy Life And Having Healthy Children’
"I love, love, love CountyCare,” said Deanna Chandler, a 39-year-old working mom of four (three boys and one girl) when she reflects upon her health, as well as her children, for the past few years. The Harvey resident has been a CountyCare member since around the time her oldest son, now 20, was born.
“I ended up reading all the options available to me at the time and CountyCare stood up. They cover vision, dental and everything we needed. In addition, they have increasing incentives for the OTC Rewards Card, which comes in handy. We are rewarded for what we are supposed to—being healthy.”
Chandler developed gestational diabetes during her third pregnancy, which later transitioned into type 2 diabetes. Both her mom and dad had a history of diabetes. Her diabetes was uncontrolled and she even had an episode where her vision went out. Luckily, CountyCare’s Care Coordination nurses Camille Haynes and Jackie Webb were there to manage her diabetes and provide the support she and her family needed. “CountyCare has been there for me no matter what, from medications for me and my children to my diabetes needs. They never closed the door on me,” she recalled.
Chandler had a complicated third pregnancy since the baby was born premature, and she underwent two blood transfusions. She was in labor for three days, from Good Friday until her bundle of joy made his debut on Easter day. “It was so worth it. Just to see his pretty face,” she recalled.
Over the years, CountyCare has cared for Chandler and her 4 children, all CountyCare members, through:
- Medication assistance and delivery
- OTC Rewards Card and the ability to get eligible items when most needed
- Sleep Safe Kit (portable crib, pacifier and crib) through the Brighter Beginnings Program
- Diapers
- Annual Book Club
- Transportation services to doctors’ appointments
- Nurses’ home visits for her and the children
Just this past April 29, 2022, Chandler delivered her fourth baby four weeks prior to her due date. “I had the best care,” Chandler remembered. A healthy 6 pounds, 3 ounces and 17 inches of pure love is the newest addition to the family. And diabetes is in the past, now completely managed.
“I am feeling great,” Chandler confessed. “Some mothers have the blues after they deliver a baby, not me. I love being a mom. It’s a blessing for me to be healthy and have the energy for my kids. My children have no diabetes. They are healthy. I am so thankful for CountyCare. I have the best Care Coordination team ever. They are phenomenal. I will never trade it in for anything in the world. They are my extended family.”
