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Sherena Johnson Testifies before the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee-Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support
Sherena Johnson
During a Congressional hearing in November, Sherena Johnson, a young woman who has served on the youth board of Metropolitan Atlanta's Youth Opportunities Initiative, passionately testified about her medical struggles when she lost health insurance when she "aged out" of foster care at 18. She urged House members to extend Medicaid coverage to age 21 for youth from foster care. "The state of Georgia was my parent for many years," 22-year-old Sherena shared at the hearing. "Consequently, it would help youth transitioning from foster care so much if my parent-the state of Georgia-stepped up to the plate and assume its parental role. Medicaid until age 21 would be a first step to helping former youth in foster care, young people like me, become healthy, self-sufficient, productive individuals as we receive the help we need for physical and emotional problems."
When Sherena was a college sophomore, she was diagnosed with a serious medical condition that left untreated could have caused infertility. While her condition went undetected, Sherena experienced nausea, stomach pain, and high fevers, leaving her depressed without knowing who to ask for help. Without medical coverage, it was extremely difficult for Sherena to receive treatment. With the help of her internship supervisors, Sherena unsuccessfully tried obtain care from numerous local health departments and clinics until finally she was accepted by a health clinic more than an hour away from her home.
Today, Sherena is a senior at Clayton State University, majoring in psychology and human services and is the first in her family to actually go to college. She plans to apply to graduate school and aspires to become a licensed clinical social worker. She is an Opportunity Passport™ participant who saved money to buy a car.
Touched by her conviction and openness in sharing her experience, many members of the Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support-part of the House Committee on Ways and Means-expressed their appreciation to Sherena for adding her powerful voice to the discussion on the impact of gaps in health coverage. Impressed by her triumph over life's obstacles, Rep. Wally Herger, R-Calif., told Sherena, "You are a success story." Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., also applauded Sherena and voiced his concern for her, promising to help her personally.
And he did! Lewis offered Sherena a job in his Atlanta district office and she happily accepted and plans to start after graduation. Congratulations, Sherena!
View a transcript of Sherena's testimony (PDF, 15KB)
