Finding Care When It Mattered Most

Andrea Clarke was actively miscarrying in November of 2025 when she walked through CHI’s doors, scared, in pain, and unsure where else to turn. Prior to coming to CHI, Clarke had sought care at an emergency room at another health facility but did not receive the help she needed.

“I was having vaginal bleeding, and I called all the doctors within my health insurance network,” Clarke said. “The only appointments they had was months out.”
That’s when she decided to visit West Perrine Health Center, where she met CHI provider and Director of Education and Infection Prevention and Control, Patricia Philippe. From that moment on, Clarke says, everything began to change.

“When I went there, I could barely walk in, and Philippe was extremely kind and treated me like a human being,” Clarke recalled. “She was genuinely concerned for me, and the nurses were as well.”

Seeing the severity of Clarke’s condition, Philippe acted quickly, making calls and coordinating care to make sure Clarke received immediate attention. She was soon connected with CHI’s OB/GYN, Dr. Ayita Verna.

Clarke explained that the care team at CHI supported her through every step of her miscarriage, a process that lasted approximately five months.

“I was in so much pain,” she said. “Dr. Verna and the staff were so helpful and got me the ultrasounds I needed. Even until now, she is a resource I can call if I have any questions.”

While the experience was deeply traumatic, Clarke says she emerged with a renewed sense of hope. Healing and envisioning happiness in her future became the most meaningful takeaways from her experience at CHI. She admits she did not have high expectations going in, as she is insured by Medicaid, but was pleasantly surprised by the level of care she received.

“I am grateful to have quality doctors that care and facilities that are clean,” she said. “You know sometimes you think places take Medicaid and the facility is not going to be the best, but I had better care at CHI than I did at the hospital.”

Looking ahead, Clarke plans to try for another pregnancy. For now, she is focused on healing. She says Dr. Verna has been supportive of her desire to explore holistic options first, while closely monitoring her condition.

Today, Clarke says she feels like she has a medical home and providers who care for her and feel like family.

“Dr. Verna will be helping me with my next pregnancy,” Clarke said. “Not to say I did not go through anything during the process, but I felt very positive and hopeful. I don’t know if that would have been the case if I never met Ms. Philippe.”