It was after hours this past winter when Stacey was walking a family who had finished their visit out the back door. She saw a young man who looked a bit disheveled and confused "Hello," she said, "Can I help you?"
The young man looked at her, a bit confused. "I am so lost, can you help me find my way home?"
She made sure that the family she was escorting got to their car safely and then turned to the young man. "Yes I can, what is your name?"
The young man started to cry and told her he was so sorry and that he had messed up and taken some drugs, but he just wanted to go home.
"Can I call the police to see if they can help you find the way home?" The young man was hesitant, but he said yes. Stacey went in and told her co-workers what was happening and called the police on the non-emergent number that we keep at Urgent Care. "Do you mind if I stay with you until they get here?" She asked. "That would make me feel better."
Stacey stayed until the police arrived and they told both the young man and her that they would take him to his home. When I spoke with Stacey after the event, she said, "I would have wanted someone to stay with my son if he was lost like that, and it was the right thing to do." Stacey is a great example of what wonderful, compassionate care is provided at Children's!