In your own words tell us about an instance when you had a perplexing, confusing, or surprising experience with your own health.

To start, I have been receiving birth control through the mail for about 5 years now. I have never had an issue with my birth control coming into the mail until this one time last year. I remembered that my doctor had my specific birth control in my chart so that they know what medications I am taking. So I decided to call my doctor's office (OSF HealthCare) to see if they would be able to send a prescription to my pharmacy quick since I was low on pills. When I called I asked them if they could do so and instead I received a very snotty remark saying that because OSF is a Catholic organization in itself, they do not prescribe birth control. Although I knew it was a Catholic organization I was appalled that as a health care facility they do not put women's safety into consideration. I have been trying to find a way of finding a new doctor ever since, but it's hard when I also have to take health insurance into consideration. I believe I should not have to worry whether or not I will get the healthcare I need if I was, for instance, in a dangerous situation and needed contraception. This impacted my day-to-day life because I felt unsafe with my current providers for health care. I still feel not genuinely thought about by them as I try to find a new provider.

How did this event or journey impact your day-to-day life?

If you could go back and tell your previous self something you know now about this health issue or journey what might that be?

Don't stay at OSF and find a healthcare provider that separates religious beliefs from actively helping people because that is supposed to be their job.

Can you share any strategies or support that aided you in overcoming this health issue or journey, or are helping you to work through it, in terms of physical and/or mental well-being?

The problem was solved by contacting Planned Parenthood for three packs of birth control sent to my pharmacy in one day.