When Greater Seattle, WA resident Carlhie reflects on her healthcare journey before Waymark, only one word comes to mind: stress.

“I had stomach problems that my doctor couldn’t figure out, and they would just keep telling me it was because I was stressed out,” she said. “I thought, ‘yes, I’m stressed because I’m hurt and because I can’t figure out what’s going on with a prescription’.”

When Waymark Community Health Worker Bracie Vose connected with Carlhie in early 2024, her ongoing symptoms—and the struggles she was encountering in accessing care and treatment for them—were just the tip of the iceberg. Carlhie was also in need of legal and housing support; out of concern that someone who had been stalking her for years would continue to find her, she had chosen to voluntarily remain in unstable housing situations.

“We immediately focused on the housing and safety aspects as our primary goals, and we were able to connect her with a housing navigator and a case manager,” said Bracie. “We also got her started with an address protection program to make sure that the housing she accessed would be protected.”

“That was something I didn’t even know existed,” added Carlhie. “It was such a relief to know I did have options.”

The impact of pharmacy support on collaborative care delivery

When Carlhie felt like her most pressing social needs – safe housing and a protected address – were in the process of being resolved, she finally had the mental space to focus on her health concerns.

“I didn’t even know who to talk to or what to say about that,” said Carlhie. “And with how long it takes to get an appointment, it always felt impossible to have someone actually help me fix it quickly.”

Carlhie had been prescribed a medication that was intended to address her main symptoms, but there had been an error in how it was written, which had resulted in a host of logistical issues.

Bracie partnered with Silu Zuo, Waymark’s Washington-based clinical pharmacist, to talk with Carlhie’s primary care physician and correct the prescription. Instead of having to wait months for a PCP appointment, then even longer for the prescription to be corrected and sent to a pharmacy, Silu was able to speak directly to the PCP and get the right prescription updated, uploaded and sent to the pharmacy.

“Silu being able to talk to the provider to quickly get me on the right medication quickly was the most helpful,” said Carlhie. “I was always so worried about how [my symptoms] would affect the rest of my life, and now I don’t have to worry so much anymore.”

“I hope Waymark never stops doing what you’re doing.”

In the spring of 2025, Carlhie was able to move into a new apartment, one with a protected address that was close to her university. In addition to attending college courses, she’s also been able to access resources for survivors of domestic violence – another connection Bracie supported her in finding.

“A lot of these resources, especially housing, take a long time to get connected to right now,” said Bracie. “So it’s part of my role to bring down those barriers to access when I can. We’re still working with a housing coordinator on a more permanent solution, but in the meantime, at least we could get her closer to school.”

Carlhie said that everything from how Waymark approached her to the way Bracie and Silu were willing to work collaboratively with her toward a common goal made a world of difference. She now feels more confident in her path forward, and encouraged in her pursuit of a degree in Human Services, which she hopes will equip her to serve people in a role similar to a care team member’s.

“It’s given me so much confidence knowing I have Bracie, this great lady, working with me and helping me find the things I need to move forward,” said Carlhie. “I hope Waymark never stops doing what you’re doing. There are a lot of people that need your help.”