Chamber Member Natalie Ransom Speaks Out for Unity Care NW
March 09, 2020
“Just because it’s affordable care, doesn’t mean it’s any less quality,” says Natalie Ransom. As a small business owner in Bellingham, she had trouble finding affordable health care. A staff member in Unity Care NW’s Outreach & Enrollment department helped her enroll in Apple Health through Community Health Plan of Washington. “They really helped me figure things out,” she says, pleased to learn she’d be covered for necessary lab work and tests. Natalie has now been a Unity Care NW patient for over five years.
A few years ago, she had an allergic reaction that caused splotches all over her body. “My whole system was freaking out!” she said. The problem mystified dermatologists, but it was her Unity Care NW health care provider who discovered the source. Natalie owns a floral business in Bellingham and works with all types of flowers every day. She discovered that she has a rare sensitivity to sunflowers and zinnias when they are in a certain growth phase. Not knowing the cause of her allergy was impacting her livelihood, so it was a great relief to discover that the solution to her allergy was taking a simple over-the-counter medication. She cites her provider’s practical approach and “good bedside manner” as key to finding not just a solution but also an inexpensive one.
She also sees her Unity Care NW provider for her reproductive and mental health matters. “He listens to me and believes me when I tell him my concerns. I’m really heartened to be treated in that way.” She also likes how he encourages her to try lifestyle changes rather than going right to medication.
Natalie is active in the business community, serving as an ambassador with the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce and as a board member for both Whatcom Women in Business and Blue Skies for Children. She also donates gift certificates, time, and flowers for local non-profits. “Being involved in the community is a huge part of who I am,” she says. Running a small business is expensive, but giving back is a priority. And so is finding so is finding good health care. “Unity Care NW is an affordable option for me.”
A few years ago, she had an allergic reaction that caused splotches all over her body. “My whole system was freaking out!” she said. The problem mystified dermatologists, but it was her Unity Care NW health care provider who discovered the source. Natalie owns a floral business in Bellingham and works with all types of flowers every day. She discovered that she has a rare sensitivity to sunflowers and zinnias when they are in a certain growth phase. Not knowing the cause of her allergy was impacting her livelihood, so it was a great relief to discover that the solution to her allergy was taking a simple over-the-counter medication. She cites her provider’s practical approach and “good bedside manner” as key to finding not just a solution but also an inexpensive one.
She also sees her Unity Care NW provider for her reproductive and mental health matters. “He listens to me and believes me when I tell him my concerns. I’m really heartened to be treated in that way.” She also likes how he encourages her to try lifestyle changes rather than going right to medication.
Natalie is active in the business community, serving as an ambassador with the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce and as a board member for both Whatcom Women in Business and Blue Skies for Children. She also donates gift certificates, time, and flowers for local non-profits. “Being involved in the community is a huge part of who I am,” she says. Running a small business is expensive, but giving back is a priority. And so is finding so is finding good health care. “Unity Care NW is an affordable option for me.”
