How Healthcare Works, LLC

I’ve been fighting my entire life. I fought to survive growing up in foster care until I was adopted at age eight. I fought through years of abuse, homelessness, and the stigma of starting over at nearly 50 years old during a pandemic. I’ve fought for every degree I earned, every opportunity I’ve had, and every ounce of stability in my life. But lately, I feel like I’m fighting for crumbs—just the bare minimum to get by.  It’s like being a Christian in ancient Rome, thrown into the Colosseum to fight lions while everyone looks on. Except my lions are instability, disadvantage, and uncertainty. And all too often I'm left wondering: How am I going to get through this today on my own? Photo by Jeanette R. Harrison, MPH Struggle Isn’t the Same as Growth I’ve heard it all before: “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” “You’ve got to fight for what you want,” and “The struggle builds character.” And while those sayings may have some truth, they don’t tell the whole story. I’m no...

The housing affordability crisis in Boise and Ada County, Idaho, has hit renters particularly hard. While the area was once known for its affordable living and thriving communities, renters are now finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet as the gap between the rate of rent increases and wages grows. Rent prices have increased over 25% while wages remain stagnant or at a slow 3% rate. Wages are not even keeping pace with inflation.  Rents on the Rise: A Crisis for Boise Renters I moved to Ada County in 2020, right at the height of the pandemic. The next year, I saw a 25-30% increase in my rent. Although my rent has increased only moderately in the past two years, wages have not kept pace with that increase.  For many renters, these costs now consume more than 50%—and sometimes as much as 60%—of their monthly household incomes. In fact, mortgage affordability is often calculated at 60% of gross income. This far exceeds the commonly recommended affordability measure...

  Photo by Jeanette R. Harrison, MPH The holidays are often seen as a time for togetherness and support—a season where family steps in to lift one another up, especially when life feels heavy. But what happens when reaching out for help is met with judgment instead of compassion? This holiday season, I reached out to family, hoping for a little support during a challenging time. What I got instead were controlling remarks, unsolicited advice, and excuses about why they couldn’t or wouldn’t help. What stung the most wasn’t just their refusal to help, but the way they framed it. “You should focus on helping yourself before trying to help others,” they said, as if my life’s purpose and the way I navigate challenges are somehow invalid. Ironically, these same family members—who’ve never offered meaningful help in the past—seemed to think they had the right to critique my choices, despite having their own share of questionable decisions. And then there were my nieces, who, for reason...

by Jeanette R. Harrison, MPH I have shared before that I am recovering from Post-traumatic Stress Disorder because of multiple traumas I have experienced throughout my life. There has hardly been a year where I didn't experience some sort of trauma. In the past five years, I had to move during a pandemic with nothing, was involved in a car accident, experienced job loss, and also worried repeatedly about how to pay my bills as a result. Not to mention my reason for moving to Idaho was my "breakup" from my 12-year-long abusive relationship. Just to move here I had to walk away from everything. Then, once here, I had next to no support system, and I felt isolated, alienated, and alone.  To some, they may think this stress is motivating or is just a normal part of life. For someone like me with PTSD, it can feel suffocating. I used to thrive under pressure, and I still can. However, when the pressure and stress become too much, it shuts me down. I have to meditate to get bac...

The holiday season can be one of the most joyful times of the year, filled with celebrations, gatherings, and traditions. But let’s be honest: it can also bring extra stress that affects our relationships with loved ones. Whether it’s balancing time with family, managing expectations, or dealing with holiday drama, the season can sometimes strain even the closest bonds. Here are some tips for keeping your relationships healthy and positive, even amid holiday stress. Photo by Jeanette R. Harrison, MPH  1. Communicate Openly and Honestly During the holidays, we often get so busy that we forget to check in with our loved ones. Set aside time to talk openly with each other about your plans, expectations, and any concerns. Being upfront can prevent misunderstandings and reduce potential conflicts. Remember, everyone’s stress levels might be a bit higher this time of year, so a little extra patience and open communication can go a long way. 2. Set Boundaries That Work for You The holiday...

 by Jeanette R. Harrison, MPH Throughout my career in healthcare, I have embraced a variety of roles that have each shaped my perspective, sharpened my skills, and deepened my commitment to the field. It’s sometimes easy for people to associate us with just one job, especially the one we started with. For me, that initial role was as a medical transcriptionist —my first step into healthcare. But since then, I have moved through several meaningful and growth-oriented roles that have expanded my expertise and influence. Why It’s Important to Acknowledge the Journey While working as a medical transcriptionist provided a solid foundation, I have not held that title since 2000. Since then, my career has evolved significantly. Here’s a small glimpse into the path I’ve followed. A Foundation in Leadership and Administration After gaining initial experience, I took on a healthcare administration internship at one of the leading academic medical centers in the country. This position provid...