11:00 a.m.

I just got signed in and am officially on the clock for my shift! The patients we see today could be visiting the health center for a wide range of services, including STI testing, cancer screenings, birth control, or abortion.

As a patient escort, my job is to support patients however they may need as they arrive for their appointment. Some people feel comfortable walking into what may be a routine appointment without any support. Other patients may appreciate someone escorting them into the health center to help them get settled. Most of the time, there's a crowd of protestors gathered outside the health center, so I may even need to act as a physical barrier.

Every shift is different! No matter what, I make sure every patient sees at least one friendly face before they walk through the door. And I think that matters!

12:00 p.m.

As I expected, there's a crowd of protestors outside today. Their goal is to intimidate patients and distract volunteers like me from doing our jobs. But Planned Parenthood health centers like this one are dedicated to making sure patients can access the health care they need, no matter what.

The protestors can be hard to ignore, but my fellow patient escorts and I are here for the patients, not the protestors. No amount of noise or distraction will stop us from helping people get in, get the care they need, and get back to their lives.

1:30 p.m.

One of the best parts of any shift is the support we receive from people passing the health center!

Over my years volunteering, I've seen people show their support in so many thoughtful ways. During most shifts, people will drive by and honk in solidarity or shout out encouragement. Today, someone dropped by with a special treat: lemon pound cake from the French bakery across the street!

Moments like these, the patients I meet, and the other volunteers I work with (like the ones I'm with today!) are what keep me coming back every week.

3:00 p.m.

I am officially off the clock! As a little post-shift tradition, I like to try a new coffee shop near the health center. Today, I treated myself to a strawberry almond scone.

Honestly, it's really rewarding to work in such a hands-on way on something that I care so deeply about. All people deserve access to the critical health care Planned Parenthood health centers provide. I love being a patient escort because it allows me to make an immediate, tangible impact in my community by connecting with each patient I meet.