Darian Carr is focused on one of his biggest goals: improving his health enough to become eligible for a heart transplant.
“I just keep going,” he said. “You have to stay on top of things.”
For more than a decade, Darian has trusted Community of Hope with his health care. He learned to manage serious health conditions, made changes along the way, and counted on his care team.
A lifelong DC resident, Darian, now 54, first came to Community of Hope because it was one of the few health centers serving his neighborhood. What started as a routine checkup turned into a long-term relationship with his medical provider and care team that is helping him through some hard years.
Darian lives with congestive heart failure and diabetes, conditions that forced him to stop working. Taking his medications, keeping up with appointments, and paying attention to his symptoms are part of his daily routine. It hasn’t always been easy.
“When my insurance changed, there was a point when I couldn’t get my medicine,” he said. “But they worked through it. They found a way. They helped out big time.”
When Darian became eligible for Medicare, he moved from our My Health GPS program, which Medicare doesn’t cover, into long-term care management so his care could continue.
A nurse navigator works closely with Darian, coordinating care with specialists, reviewing medications, following up after hospital stays, and helping with transportation and identification.
“They’ve been awesome,” Darian said. “The entire team is so solid.”
When challenges come up, he knows who to call. He jokingly refers to his medical case manager at Community of Hope, as his “go-to.” His team also connected him to a program that delivers fresh vegetables and other healthy food to his home.
“I’m more conscious of what I eat now,” he said. “Before, it was just whatever I wanted to eat. Now I pick up the package and look at how much sugar or sodium is in it.”
He says he’s seen improvements in managing his diabetes and better understands how his daily choices affect his health.
“They always check in,” Darian said. “They encourage you. They make sure you’re doing what you need to do.”
When asked what he would tell someone living with chronic health conditions who is considering coming to Community of Hope for care, he didn’t hesitate.
“It’d be the best choice.”
As Darian works toward a heart transplant, he’s focused on taking care of himself, staying consistent, and moving forward. And with his Community of Hope care team by his side, he has people he can count on every step of the way.
