“At times, all they were discharged with was the paper gown they were provided while being treated,” Mr. Castellanos told CNN.
Mr. Castellanos thought up various ways he could help the homeless patients, and soon determined they would benefit most from receiving clothes and shoes they could keep. He then started a collection at the hospital of clothes and shoes from his closet at home that he was planning on donating. After word about his efforts spread, the small collection turned into a full-scale closet.
“It began with a small pile,” Mr. Castellanos said, according to CNN. “But it continued to grow bigger and bigger.”
The closet, which is located in the discharge lounge of Jackson Memorial Hospital, is now overflowing with clothing, shoes and accessories from donors. The donors were colleagues at the hospital and members of his church congregation.
“We are all human beings,” Mr. Castellanos told CNN. “We have to help each other out.”
More articles on patient engagement:
Why patient-provider communication is crucial to chronic care: 6 findings
7 things to know about first trial to test home hospital model
How physicians can use patients’ bucket lists to improve care: 6 takeaways
